The devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has left the Gulf Coast region in ruins. Due to the destruction, the people in the affected region are left without food, water, clothing and shelter and many have resorted to drastic measures, such as looting, in order to obtain items necessary for survival. The people of the Gulf Coast region have suffered greatly and are in need of help.

Recently, UVM has compiled a list of national charities and organizations that students can donate to in order to help out with the relief effort.

The links to these charities can be found at UVM’s home page in the article “UVM Coordinates Katrina Disaster Relief” under the section titled “News and Events.” Dr. Gary Derr of the Provost’s Office is looking for suggestions from students as to what they can do or what they would like to do in order to help out with hurricane relief. Currently, SGA is in the process of organizing some type of fundraiser for the hurricane relief as well. Even though some students are individually collecting money to donate to national organizations, Students Against War is the only organization on campus that has been collecting donations for hurricane relief.

Students Against War is raising money for the NAACP and the impoverished victims of the hurricane. Students Against War will continue to raise money for relief for as long as possible.

Anyone interested in Students Against War or their causes can visit www.campusantiwar.net or attend the meetings which take place on Tuesdays at 7pm in Living and Learning room 315.

For now, anyone interested in donating to the hurricane relief can also contribute to one of the many national organizations available, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

Anyone interested in contributing to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund can contact their local Red Cross Chapter, call 1-800-HELP-NOW, or visit www.redcross.org.

The Salvation Army has been sending volunteers down to help out since news of the hurricane first spread and will continue to do so if people keep volunteering and contributing to their relief effort. In order to donate to the Salvation Army, there are donation links set up at www.salvationarmyusa.org and a donation hotline which can be reached by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Donations such as bottled water, blankets, clothing, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any Salvation Army location.

The result of Hurricane Katrina has left part of the country in complete devastation. There are many people that need assistance of some sort in order to help rebuild the affected region.

In the meantime, it is essential that we all band together and do whatever possible to help out the victims of Hurricane Katrina.