Community Service Center Update

September 1, 2005 Written by Deidre Stalnaker 3 min read
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Community Service Center
Volunteer Response for Hurricane Katrina
205-348-2865

Update – Sept. 1, 2005

The Community Service Center is working to coordinate campus and community efforts toward Hurricane Katrina Relief.

Immediate Needs

  • The Red Cross has asked that all volunteers register through the Community Service Center. Come by 355 Ferguson Center or call 348-2865 to register. Groups and individuals must go through the CSC or the Red Cross will turn volunteers away. Currently SGA, CCSO, UA Athletics, UA Cheerleaders, RHA, Chi Omega, Delta Tau Delta, UA elevator maintenance, Action Card Office, UA Student Development, Tuscaloosa ARC, St. Francis Quilter’s Guild, Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce, Tuscaloosa County Courthouse, and First Wesleyan are registered. If you are aware of a project or volunteer effort being coordinated in a different area, please inform the CSC Office at 348-2865 so duplication does not occur community-wide.
  • People who wish to volunteer to house students or families should contact the CSC in 355 Ferguson or by calling 348-2865.
  • SGA is coordinating animal care and tours of Tuscaloosa through Tuscaloosa Trolleys.
  • The Salvation Army cooks, delivers, and serves two meals per day at the Student Recreation Center and area hotels. Shifts are from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for lunch and from 3-6 p.m. for dinner. Call CSC at 348-2865 to sign up for a shift.
  • CSC is coordinating medical needs with the Salvation Army.
  • Donations of money can be made to the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. Checks may be sent to CSC, Box 870296, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0296. Write Hurricane Katrina Relief on the check to designate toward these efforts.
  • Daily needs (toiletries, food, etc.) will be sent from the CSC after meeting with the Red Cross. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY ITEMS UNTIL NOTIFIED. Current needs include telephone long distance calling cards.
  • The SGA and Community Service Center are staffing a table outside the Dean of Students Office (231 Ferguson) Sept. 1-2 to assist with student needs and coordinate volunteer efforts.
  • CSC students are coordinating an ARTS 4 ALL effort for the Recreation Center.
  • Volunteer efforts are anticipated for pre-K children. All school age children will begin classes through the Tuscaloosa City School System on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
  • Packages can be mailed to family members with NAME at Student Recreation Center, 401 5th Avenue East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0373

Long Term Needs

  • Volunteers will be needed for long-term relief efforts through the Christmas holidays.
  • The Beat Auburn Beat Hunger Food Fight has begun early to assist the West Alabama Food Bank with meeting immediate needs as well as holiday food needs. Organizations are encouraged to go to the CSC Office, 355 Ferguson Center, to pick up a collection barrel.

Contacts and Commitments with the CSC

  • Managers of Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart Tuscaloosa and Northport have committed to providing food for the West Alabama Food Bank.
  • Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa (morning) has solicited donations for the Salvation Army.
  • CSC with the Salvation Army will sponsor a campus kettle and bell drive to raise money for additional needs.
  • CSC will work with campus and community contacts to identify storage facilities for surplus donations.