When disaster strikes in a far off country, students might wonder: "How can I help?"
If you didn't know, on Tuesday a massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, an impoverished country in the Caribbean that occupies the same island as the Dominican Republic.
Humanitarian officials fear more than 100,000 people have been killed, a number which could reach upward to half a million.
The Red Cross has estimated about 3 million Haitians were affected by the disaster, which is one-third of the country's population. The U.N. peacekeeping mission, presidential palace and hospital in the capital of Port-au-Prince have collapsed and most of the city has been leveled.
Electricity and other utilities have been cut off, leaving people without clean water and at an increased risk for disease and malnutrition, both of which Haiti already struggles.
President Barack Obama has pledged the United States full support to Haiti. Celebrities, charities and service organizations have sprung into action, pledging millions in the wake of the country's worst earthquake since the mid-1700s.
Students, even those with less than ample budgets, can do their part to help. If half the student population of Ball State University – about 10,000 students – donated a 24-pack of water bottles to the Red Cross, it would doubtlessly make a huge difference.
In the next few weeks, perhaps Student Voluntary Services or other service organizations on campus can organize food and water donation drives. With a lack of clean water, bottled water donation will be desperately needed.
Also, the American Red Cross suggests donating time, money or blood in order to aid Haiti.
To immediately help, you can text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross relief efforts. The money will be charged to your next phone bill.
The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive on campus in the Student Center Ballroom on Jan. 25. You can help restock the supply of blood, which will be diminished following a disaster, and get a free T-shirt and some food.
Regardless of how small the gesture may be, it's important for students to remember the significance of helping others in times of crisis.
Let's start now.
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