Between exams, suitemate drama, and maybe even a social life, it’s easy to be sucked into the JMU bubble. It’s definitely more fun to be caught up in the latest GTL crisis than a real tragedy, but the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan need our help – NOW! While most of us probably don’t have a ton of money to spend (Plato’s Closet, anyone?), there are many small ways we can help. Dukes all over campus are making a difference. Here’s how you can help!
Make a Paper Crane
For all you collegiettes™ on a budget (hey, I’m with you!), the Japanese Language and Culture Club is asking for a minimum donation of a quarter in exchange for an origami paper crane. You can even fold the crane yourself if you want! The club is starting a chain of cranes now through mid-April. The fundraiser stemmed from the idea in Japanese culture that 1,000 paper cranes equal one wish.
By doing this, Dukes can, “Not only raise some money, but also create a visual symbol of hope,” says Haley Schaefer, President of the Japanese Language and Culture Club. Haley adds that the chain will serve as, “a sign that we as a JMU community care about the crisis in Japan.” The cranes will be sold on the Commons and through the club. All proceeds go to the American Red Cross. For more information, contact jmujapanclub@gmail.com.
Buy a Cute Shirt
The Student Government Association (SGA) is working on a shirt to sell during April, with all proceeds going to charity. “JMU is such a responsive school; we want to see Dukes getting involved and helping Japan in a time of need,” says Alicia Pettis, Secretary of the Freshman Class Council. For more information on the shirts and where they will be sold, visit http://sga.jmu.edu/.
Make a Health Kit
If you go on a Wal-Mart run, grab an extra soap or two! It doesn’t seem like much, but you could be helping someone in need more than you think. The Nursing Student Association is collecting items such as toothbrushes, bandages, washcloths and nail files to send to tsunami and earthquake victims. They are collecting items during their Tuesday, April 12th meeting at 7 p.m. in HHS room 1301. You don’t have to be a member to give or help out! For more information, contact nsajmu@gmail.com.
Rock a Cute Bracelet
When JMU student Christine Tuebner and her friend Kristina Roller heard about the crisis in Japan, they knew “right away [they] wanted to help,” says Christine. They are selling hemp bracelets for a minimum donation of $2, with all proceeds to benefit the American Red Cross and UNICEF until buyer interest wanes.
The bracelets can be sent anywhere, and so far, the fundraiser has collected over $300. “As long as people are buying them, we’ll keep making them,” says Christine, “one guy even donated $70 for a bracelet!” They have made buckets full of bracelets so far. “[We] could always use a little help making more!” Christine says. The fundraiser started out as an event on Facebook and has reached more people than expected. To buy a bracelet, contact either christinetuebner@gmail.com or actiongirlnow@aol.com.
Show your Support
Several student organizations have events planned for April. Habitat for Humanity has already raised money for Japan with their “Do You Give a Buck?” and Casino Royale events. Currently, they are setting up proceeds nights at local restaurants, according to Pat O’Brian, Habitat’s Vice President. For more information as it becomes available, check out their Habitat for Humanity’s JMU chapter on Facebook!
O’Brian also said that the Alpha Class of Delta Sigma Phi will be holding a fundraising week in early April for relief. On a different note, the Asian Student Union has planned a candlelight vigil for the victims on Tuesday, April 5th. They will also be collecting donations.
Get Some Friends Together
Don’t limit yourself to these ideas – grab a friend or two and make your own fundraiser! Channel your inner elementary school self and set up a bake sale or lemonade stand. If you feel like being ambitious, get in touch with local businesses to set up a fundraising arrangement.
Even though the bulk of the tsunami tragedy seems so far away, it is important we help out in any way we can. Small gestures may not seem like much, but as cliché as it sounds, every little bit does count. Together, we can truly make a difference in the world!