(Posted September 26, 2005)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Community service has always been one of the hallmarks of a Juniata College education, and in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, college clubs and other organizations have earmarked fundraising efforts for hurricane relief.

"We are extremely proud of the work our students are doing to alleviate some of the obstacles facing the cleanup and rebuilding efforts in the wake of Katrina," says Thomas Kepple, president of Juniata College. "Juniata has emphasized service to the community since opening its doors in 1876. Our current students and some of our alumni in the hurricane's path have followed in that tradition with selfless dedication."

Among the contributions and fundraising efforts are:

--Cash collections at the college's first home football game and at administrative offices brought in more than $600, which was donated to the Salvation Army.

--Sarah Worley, instructor in communication, organized the collection of backpacks filled with toys and school supplies, as well as diaper bags filled with baby- and child-care products. The bags were delivered to a community group from Huntingdon County, who left for the Gulf Coast Sept. 22.

--Unity House, the college's offices for the campus ministry staff, held a clothing drive on campus, and all donations were given to Operation Rainbow, a community organization that sent a tractor-trailer truck filled with clothing and other donations to the Gulf Coast Friday, Sept. 9.

--The Community Service office collected nonperishable and personal hygiene items and sent them with a relief worker who was driving to the Gulf Coast.

--The Juniata College bookstore, which is owned and operated by Follett Corp., is participating in a national fundraising program that allows customers to make donations at the register while checking out.

--The Circle K student club, which sponsors the Mr. Juniata contest, will donate all the proceeds from this year's Sept. 30 event to the Red Cross. Last year the event raised more than $2,000.

--A service-learning spring break trip will travel to Mississippi to participate in rebuilding and cleanup efforts..

A wide variety of student clubs, administrative offices, residence halls, academic classes and individuals volunteered to assemble Gift of the Heart kits, which will be sent to the stricken area in October.

--Several containers for change collection will be placed at high-traffic areas around the campus. The project, titled "Help Make a Change," will have containers at Ellis Hall and at Jitters coffee shop in the von Liebig Center for Science.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.