09.02.05

This picture was taken by Calvin Sylvester in New Orleans of his family's home in the 9th Ward, one of the areas where the pumps failed. Courtesy CNN.com.

Erskine launches assistance efforts for victims of Katrina

Members of the Erskine College and Seminary Cabinet, which includes all vice presidents at the institution, met today to identify ways to help fellow members of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Cabinet members announced that Erskine is willing to work with college students and seminarians from member schools who need assistance in completing their studies because of hurricane disruption. Erskine will help with discounted tuition or student exchange opportunities on a case-by-case basis.

Bob Andringa, president of CCCU, and Daniel Aleshire, executive director of ATS, contacted leaders at more than 300 member schools this week and plans are under way to respond to what Andringa called "this opportunity for Christian unity and charity."

Andringa and Aleshire plan to join the efforts of CCCU and ATS with those of the Association of Biblical Higher Education.

"No doubt, a wide range of charitable organizations will provide assistance for victims of this disastrous storm," Aleshire told leaders in a Sept. 1 message, "but likely very little of that aid will be available for schools that are members of our three organizations.

"I can only imagine, for example, the need for greatly increased student aid at affected schools as students encounter uninsured losses and working students and spouses are without work until businesses can reopen," Aleshire said.

Funds are being gathered at Erskine for use in hurricane relief efforts at CCCU and ATS schools. Donation checks should be made payable to Erskine College, marked "Hurricane Katrina Relief," and mailed to Erskine College, P.O. Box 338, Due West, SC 29639.

Andringa said donations will be reallocated by the CEOs of affected institutions to benefit those most in need. Reports of how funds are distributed will be available. Checks will be sent to campus presidents at member institutions most affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"The presidents can use the funds for the greatest needs, but will be encouraged to consider individual employees and students who experienced particularly heavy losses not covered by insurance," Andringa said in a letter to Christian higher education leaders.

Erskine students, faculty and staff members, and friends are also being asked to donate food and clothing now through Sept. 9 to be sent to hurricane victims. Food and clothing donations will be sent to the Salvation Army for distribution.

Non-perishable foods will be collected in the lobby of Moffatt Dining Hall. Donations of clothing can be brought to the Bell Conference Room in Watkins Student Center. These collection stations will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Erskine College is a member of CCCU and Erskine Theological Seminary is a member of ATS. Some 20 institutions in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi are affiliated with CCCU and ATS.

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