Although no Ohio University students reported being directly impacted by Thursday's tornado, some have rallied to assist Athens County residents who were affected.
OU, in coordination with the Athens County chapter of the American Red Cross, sheltered residents whose homes were damaged Thursday evening. Although 105 beds were prepared in Weld House, the residence hall sheltered only five Athens residents that night, said Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi.
We had linens ready for them
and Domino's donated pizza which was pretty cool Lombardi said. Some Athens residents likely stayed with friends and family, while others remained with their damaged homes to make sure items weren't stolen, he added.
Weld House was available to locals for one night; however, OU coordinated further relief efforts that are allowing interested students to continue helping. A station is set up on the third floor of Baker University Center for students to donate clothing, toiletries and non-perishable food items for residents whose possessions were damaged in the storm.
The students and faculty collecting donations are coordinating with the Red Cross, Athens County Job & Family Services and several other organizations to pinpoint residents who need the items, said Kevin Smith, assistant director of leadership at the Campus Involvement Center.
Students can also leave their names to volunteer with the cleanup, and the bursar's office is taking monetary donations.
Efforts are popping up elsewhere as well. Christy Illius, a senior studying audio production and a Front Room employee, set out a can in the coffee shop asking for relief donations yesterday morning. Although she estimates she raised $10 during the first day, she said photos of the destruction in Athens made her want to act. The money the Front Room raises will go to the Athens Red Cross.
(Students) aren't just part of the Ohio University community; they understand they're part of the Athens community and feel a responsibility to respond
said Bryn Keck, a senior studying early childhood education and one of the students working at the response station. One girl cleaned out her entire closet and came with a big container full of clothes.
She and Marissa Hart, a senior studying early childhood education who was also working at the booth, said they received names from more than 20 students willing to volunteer, as well as about a dozen boxes and bags of donations this weekend.
I'm really proud of our student body for coming together to help our community
Hart said. Many of them really want to help; I'm glad they're giving people an opportunity to help.
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Rebecca McKinsey
