| To: | William Paterson University Community |
| From: | John A. Martone, Vice President for Student Development |
| Date: | November 16, 2012 |
| Re: | Superstorm Sandy Relief Efforts |
In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, our hearts go out to all those throughout the metropolitan region and the shore communities who have been impacted by the storm in a variety of ways. We know that many in our University community are interested in opportunities to help. The purpose of this communication is to summarize current and planned storm relief efforts coordinated by staff and students at William Paterson University.
Emergency Student Relief Fund.
Now more than ever, some of our own students need the help and support of William Paterson alumni and friends. In response to Superstorm Sandy, the University has established an Emergency Student Relief Fund for our students who have suffered devastating losses as a result of the storm. This fund will provide immediate relief during a time of overwhelming uncertainty. You may donate to the fund via the Institutional Advancement homepage at wpunj.edu/giving.
Student Government Association (SGA).
The Student Government Association (SGA), located in Student Center 319, is supporting the work of AmeriCares (www.americares.org) in responding to the emergency needs of those in crisis. The funds raised will help to ensure that medicine, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid reaches people in need. Proceeds from the following SGA-sponsored efforts will be donated to AmeriCares:
• Coin Drive. Over the next several weeks, the SGA, with the assistance of various student club leaders, will hold a Coin Drive to collect relief funds.
• Latino Heritage Committee events. Proceeds from both the SAPB-All-Star Latino Comedy Show (Monday, November 26, 9:00 p.m.) and the LSU Karaoke Night (Tuesday, November 27, 8:00 p.m.) will be donated. Both events will be held in the University Commons multipurpose room.
• Open Mic for Sandy Relief (date and time TBA). This event will help raise awareness of other events and relief efforts that are going on in the area.
CHOSEN: The Gender and Sexuality Alliance. The Ali Forney Center (AFC), which cares for the most vulnerable in the LGBT community, suffered a major loss during Superstorm Sandy. Their site in New York City was hard hit and they are trying to run their services at other locations temporarily. Fundraising efforts to help restore the center at a new location began on campus with collections at the 4th Annual Variety Show held last week by CHOSEN and will continue over the next few weeks.
Campus Activities and Student Leadership.
Father English Center. The following activities are being coordinated in an ongoing effort to support the work of the Father English Center of Paterson, which provides direct social services to youth, adults, and families, as well as manages a major food pantry.
- On Saturday, November 17, a bus will take volunteers to help unload and restock the food pantry, which was totally depleted after the storm. A large supply of food is coming in and more than 50 volunteers are needed. The bus will leave Lot 5 at 10:30 a.m. and return to campus at 2:30 p.m.
- As part of the annual Pioneer Leadership Institute’s collection and service activities for the Father English Center, leadership classes are collecting nonperishable items and baby products. Donations will be accepted on Friday, November 30 in the University Commons multipurpose room, where they will be sorted and packaged for delivery.
Future Healthcare Professionals Club/Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation – Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students/Biology, Biotechnology Club. These clubs are collecting donations of food, clothes, and toys, which will be sent to charities and individuals that have suffered from the storm. Please bring donations to the drop boxes set up in front of the Dean’s Office, College of Science and Health, located in Science Hall East.
We recognize that there are likely many other efforts and individuals involved in Sandy relief efforts, and we would like to help direct other interested University community members to those causes. Therefore, we are asking that anyone who has been providing direct services or collecting needed goods and/or clothing for the victims, or who knows of an organization that needs assistance, to please share that information with us as soon as possible.
Please send all emails and inquiries directly to Francisco Díaz, Assistant Vice President for Campus Life, at diazf@wpunj.edu or call 973.720.3246.
