Mickey Mouse steering-wheel covers and patriotic body glitter are not traditionally thought of as auction items.
But these days, people are contributing anything they can to raise money for those affected by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
eBay, the popular online auction site, started Auction for America, a nationwide effort to raise $100 million in 100 days for the victims of September 11th. Now Kite and Key has joined the project, working to facilitate donations from Penn students.
College senior Jodie Sopher, coordinator of special projects for Kite and Key, found this to be the perfect opportunity for students to contribute what they can.
"Even though students may want to donate time and money, they don't always have the money to give -- but they have stuff," Sopher said.
Auction for America was created in response to New York Governor George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's call for financial support for the attack victims.
The money raised from the items sold will go to the United Way September 11 fund and other charities providing emergency assistance and ongoing support to those in need.
Kite and Key kicked off the drive at Penn last Wednesday after hearing eBay employee and 1995 alumna Pam Webber's nationwide request for college involvement.
So far, Penn students have generously offered to donate several items, even volunteering to give computer equipment. The project has been extended until after Thanksgiving due to the campus-wide enthusiasm.
In order to thank students for their participation in the auction, eBay has supplied Sopher with stress balls, pens and eBay T-shirts to give out to drive participants.
Several Penn theater groups have also offered to donate old playbills, posters and costumes to be auctioned off as well.
In addition to student involvement, the Office of Student Life is also hoping to participate.
The office, inspired by the $8,000 raised from a Nebraska v. Oklahoma game-used football sold through Auction for America, is looking to donate an item unique to Penn.
Once all donations have been collected, Wharton senior Danielle Lewin, the auction manager, will post the items online. Students can then bid on the Penn auctions by searching for the eBay username "pennkiteandkey."
In addition to Penn users, all of eBay's 34 million registered users will be able to bid on the Penn items.
Students can drop off donations at 4024 Walnut Street, Hamilton College House and the Chi Omega sorority house.
