For the next month, Ohio University organizations are raising money and gathering materials for students who have been called to active duty.
The College of Business is working in collaboration with OU's Veteran's Support Group and about 15 student business organizations to send care packages to almost 50 OU students and alumni.
I came up with this idea over Thanksgiving break
figuring someone else had already started it said Pam Boger, lecturer for management systems. Surprisingly they had not; so I did.
Boger said she advertised for the project through the newspaper, the radio and e-mail and received 44 names and addresses of students currently deployed.
This is a much wider net than projects in past years
she said. I didn't really know what to expect... it has been really neat to see people come out and support this project.
The OU Veteran's Support Group sent packages to students last year, said Dave Logan, the group coordinator. But he said it is difficult to find their addresses.
Each person will receive a care package valued at about $35. The package will include hygiene products, socks, books, newspapers, playing cards and homemade cookies.
OU student Dan Martin, who returned from duty, suggested to send these items, Boger said.
If we have enough money
we might even send phone cards to all the students
she said.
Eight volunteers from the College of Business offered to provide supplies for the baked goods, Boger said.
OU's food service and others are volunteering to bake and to package the cookies.
The student business organizations donated $600 to help fund the materials, but Boger said she hopes Wal-Mart will supply additional products.
If Wal-Mart is not able to donate
the packages will still be sent
she said. It will happen
even if I have to go door-to-door to raise money.
The business fraternity Beta Alpha Psi raised money yesterday and today in Copeland Hall.
A lot of students with spare change have come by
and two professors donated $5 each
said OU junior Jeff Smith, an accounting and MIS major. It's been very successful so far.
Postage will cost about $30 per package, Boger said. But President Roderick McDavis agreed to cover shipping costs through the OU Foundation, said Alan Geiger, assistant to the president.
OU's Veteran's support group will help the College of Business and the organizations package and send materials on March 4.
There has really been a positive response to the whole project
