Big Blue Aids Sister School in Weathering the Storm

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 4, 2011) – Just one week after a massive tornado struck the city of Tuscaloosa, Ala., impacting members of the University of Alabama (UA) community, UK students, faculty and staff have identified various ways to help.

UA Vice President for Student Affairs Mark D. Nelson said in an open letter to colleagues across the country, “we recognize and appreciate the incredible level of outreach we have received from so many people around the country asking how they can assist.”

“Many have asked what they can do to help,” Nelson said. “Please know that in the current situation the two best things that you can do are to give money and give blood.”

University of Kentucky Office of Student Involvement staff members, who have been in contact with folks at Alabama to assess their immediate needs, currently recommends the following:

• Give Money – The University of Alabama has set up the UA Acts of Kindness Fund where individuals may donate. The fund has been established to support emergency-assistance program for UA students and employees (http://bit.ly/uaactsofkindness). Additionally, you can give to our local Red Cross chapter – there you may designate funds specifically for Tuscaloosa (www.redcrosslexky.org).

• Give Blood – Students traveling home for the summer are encouraged to donate blood at any American Red Cross location and designate it for Tuscaloosa. NOTE: The Bluegrass Red Cross chapter does not collect blood donations.

The Center for Community Outreach (CCO) is also hosting a “Give Before You Go” toiletries drive May 2-27. Per the request of UA administrators, students are encouraged to donate any of the following items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, deodorant, facial tissue and toilet paper.

Drop off locations include:

• Center for Student Involvement, 106 Student Center
• Student Center Addition, Near the Help Desk just outside of the UK Bookstore
• Campus Recreation, Johnson Center
• Ovid’s, William T. Young Library
• Blazer Cafe, Blazer Hall near Keeneland Drive
• Commons Dining Facility, South Campus
• King Alumni House, Corner of Rose Street and Eucild Avenue

The CCO, in partnership with other student organizations and university departments, will fund the shipment of donated items every Friday in May to ensure fast delivery and distribution to those in need. Those interested in contributing financially to these shipments should contact the CCO.

Additionally, Student Government Association (SGA) and the UK chapter of Wrap Up America have partnered together to provide blankets and donations to those in need in Alabama. For a donation of just $3, a blanket will be donated to a person in need. To give, visit www.wrapupamerica.org and click on the “Wrap Up America – University of Alabama” link.

“Often our hearts lead the way when we are called to action following this type of tragedy,” said Sarah Hermsmeier, assistant director of the CCO. “But our immediate desire to help UA must match the immediate needs of their community. Only then will we impact the city of Tuscaloosa in the positive ways both we and they desire.”

Hermsmeier advised that for now, the best and most direct ways to help are to give money online and to give blood designated specifically for Tuscaloosa. Generally, the city is asking that people not send unsolicited money, donations or volunteers, unless at the request of an organization which can accommodate them.

Hermsmeier said that many groups across the country want to travel to Alabama to volunteer, but that finding housing for new groups when the city’s residents are still in need of housing is a challenge.

“Right now, the city is asking for visitors to stay out of the affected areas as search and rescue is continuing,” said Wahnee Sherman, director of the Community Service Center at UA. “We only ask that you give us some time to figure a few things out.”

The Alternative Service Breaks program through the CCO has tentatively planned a service trip to Tuscaloosa for UK students, faculty, and staff for mid-summer. Those interested in putting their name on a waiting list should e-mail cco.ukasb@gmail.com.

Nelson said, “The University of Alabama appreciates your continued concern and support as our campus recovers.”

“The students at UA and families in Tuscaloosa have a long road ahead of them as they rebuild from this storm, said Heather Wagoner, program director for Student Involvement. “It is important for us to show our camaraderie now and into the coming months.”

Members of the UK community are invited to join the Facebook Page, “Big Blue Goes Crimson,” which will feature ongoing updates on the needs of UA and Tuscaloosa.

Those interested in writing a message of support on a sheet to be sent to UA should stop by the CCO now through May 27. UK Student Government Association (SGA) President Micah Fielden and Vice President Nikki Hurt have also sent a formal letter of support on behalf of the UK student body to the UA SGA.

MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Bennett, (859) 257-1754, ext. 255; katy.bennett@uky.edu

CCO CONTACT: Sarah Hermsmeier, (859) 257-4673; shermsmeier@uky.edu