In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation, it seems like everyone wants to lend a helping hand.
Groups all over Penn's campus -- from student nurses to the varsity soccer teams -- have pitched in with the relief efforts.
And now, all of those efforts will be unified under one common symbol: plastic wristbands.
The Wharton Council -- an umbrella organization for Wharton student groups -- pledged $1,000 to buy 5,000 latex bracelets in green, purple and gold "Mardi Gras colors," said Wharton junior Ada Chen, who serves on the Wharton Council. The office of the vice provost for University life donated another $1,000 to the project.
Student groups hosting hurricane relief events in the coming weeks will sell the bracelets for under $5. All proceeds will go to a yet-to-be-determined charity, although organizers say they will choose one that will aid in long-term rebuilding efforts in New Orleans.
The wristbands are expected to arrive in the coming week.
Organizers said they see the bracelets as a way to unify all of the student fundraising projects on campus.
"I think that it marks solidarity among all of the undergraduates and graduates that will be participating," Panhellenic Council President and College senior Hayley Gross said. "It's a tangible thing that shows that you've contributed to making the effort."
To help orchestrate fundraising efforts, the Undergraduate Assembly held a meeting on Friday for all student leaders hosting hurricane-relief events.
The Katrina Relief Effort Volunteers-UPenn -- the organizational team for all student fundraising -- will help student leaders plan events that do not conflict, aided by a listserv for group communication.
"A lot of people really want to help, and we don't want to be competing with each other," College senior and Class Board member Rachel Dodson said. "There's a lot of momentum."
Hurricane-relief plans range from charity concerts and parties to donations of scrubs for doctors at the Louisiana State University Medical Center.
Civic House leaders are also organizing groups of students, faculty and staff who want to volunteer directly in the Gulf region. While travel to New Orleans would require a time commitment of at least one week, Civic House Associates Coalition co-Chairwoman Merri Johnston said that interest has been positive.
"I've had at least a handful of students approach me" with an interest in volunteering in New Orleans, the College senior said. "There are tens of thousands of displaced people who need supplies and shelter."
Student volunteers would participate in a variety of service activities, ranging from rebuilding houses to distributing medical supplies.
Getting involved - Interested in participating in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts on campus? Contact Jason Rubin (jasonwk@sas.upenn.edu) or Rachel Dodson (rdodson@sas.upenn.edu) - Want to travel to the affected areas to help? Contact Merri Johnston (merrimon@sas.upenn.edu)
