Imagine the population of Jacksonville, around 10,000 people, in your mind. Now multiply that by 20. That is how many people are estimated to be dead after last month’s devastating earthquake in Haiti. The world has come together to support the Haitian people in their time of crisis, and help is coming from everywhere, including right here in Jacksonville.

The Student Government Association has been helping students make a difference for people in Haiti. The SGA began collecting donations from students at the basketball game against Tennessee State and will continue collecting donations at their events until Feb. 28.

“The SGA is collecting money on our behalf,” said SGA President Bryant Whaley, “but we are also supporting other organizations in their endeavors as well.”

Recently, the SGA invited the campus to have some fun ice-skating at Leone Cole Auditorium. According to Whaley, around 700 people came to skate and a table with buckets was set up for people to give what they could to help Haiti. Money donated during this and all other events done by the SGA will go to the American Red Cross.

“The University has an account set up, so any money we take up will go directly to the Bursar’s office who will send a check directly to the American Red Cross,” said Whaley. “The Red Cross will be using our money solely for Haiti relief

“I think the students have been very generous. When adults have been giving, they have been handing one or two dollars. We have seen students giving $5, $10 and even $20 dollars bills being donated,” said Whaley. “I feel that the students have seen the tragedy that has occurred and feel led to help. Plus the fact that many students have got their refund checks and now they have more money. They see that there is a chance to give back, and students are stepping up and saying ‘Hey, I got some money back, and now it’s time for me to give back.’”

If you would like more information about donating to the Red Cross through the SGA, contact Debbie Taylor at 782-5490 or dbtaylor@jsu.edu or bring donations directly to JSU’s Bursar’s Office located at the second floor of Bibb Graves Hall.