What the Penn
Community Can Do to Help
To
Members of the University Community,
The
Penn community--along with the rest of the nation--is reeling in
the aftermath of one of the most horrific attacks ever against the
United States. Many of us want to do something to help, but aren't
sure what to do.
Here
are some options:
A
special table was set up, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting September
14, in Houston Hall to collect donations for the American Red Cross.
Checks should be made out to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief
Fund. Over $7,700 was donated by the Penn community on Friday.
You
can also make a financial donation at www.redcross-philly.org
or by calling 1-866-272-7372. Contributions can also be sent to
the American Red Cross, 23rd and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia,
PA 19103.
Blood
donations are also needed and can be arranged by contacting: www.pleasegiveblood.org
or by calling 1-800-448-3543.
Student
and faculty and staff volunteer efforts are being coordinated through
Civic House (see below), the Undergraduate Assembly and Greek organizations,
among others. Representatives from these organizations will be staffing
a table in Houston Hall.
--John
Fry, Executive Vice President
To
Members of the Penn Community,
In
response to September 11th's tragic events, there has been an outpouring
of concern through a variety of means, ranging from blood donations
to financial contributions, and more. The American Red Cross has
also been eager to make use of people offering themselves as volunteers,
but the extent of the emergency has made it difficult to identify
specific local opportunities to help.
In
partnership with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American
Red Cross, we are eager to help connect Penn students, faculty,
and staff who are interested in volunteering, particularly in the
next few days. There are immediate needs for volunteers over the
next few days at two Philadelphia sites: their Center City Community
Donor Center at 7th & Spring Garden Streets, and their Regional
Headquarters at 23rd & Chestnut Streets.
Given
the tremendous number of people who have called the Red Cross to
offer support, the organization desperately needs people to help
at these two sites. Volunteers are mainly needed to assist with
answering phones and data entry.
We
expect to hear from the Red Cross about future opportunities, and
will keep the Penn community informed as we learn more. Thank you
in advance for your help.
--Isabel
Mapp, Associate Director, Faculty, Staff and Alumni Volunteer Services/Director,
Penn Volunteers In Public Service, Center for Community Partnerships
Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 4, September 18, 2001
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