Three weeks after Haiti's earthquake, students are still persistent in helping to raise funds and donate to the Haitians who need all the support they can get.

To further help, SGA met on Jan. 31 to discuss the opportunities and resources available. The meeting let them plan a number of projects including upcoming fundraisers and benefit events, according to SGA member Courtney Beasley.

"We have some great ideas that we are all excited to implement," said Beasley. "We need as much involvement as we can get. It is so important for student involvement because we can work together to accomplish something great for an entire nation in need. With manpower and voice, our ability to give will multiply and awareness will be raised, completing two of our main goals."

The Center for Social Concern is also working hard to lend Haitians as much support as possible. They created a Web site with information about the situation, prayers and ways to donate to Haiti, according to CSC director Nick Cardilino. There are also ways to get involved in activism, such as writing a letter to international organizations to cancel all of Haiti's debt in order to help them recover.

Cardilino also said that the second collections from all masses on Jan. 17 were gathered for Haiti, which added up to be more than $2,000. That money combined with donations collected by service clubs totals to over $3,000; half of which was sent to Catholic Relief Services and half to Marianists in Haiti. Plus, 10 percent of all regular collections in January will be added to these funds.

On Feb. 23, CSC is bringing in former Hollywood TV producer Gerry Straub to speak at KU's Boll Theatre. Straub (who produced shows such as "General Hospital") had a conversion experience over 10 years ago when he was in Assisi and has been working on a documentary in Haiti since December. After the earthquake, he returned to Haiti to help with the relief effort and has been working on the documentary since. During this speech he will include clips and footage from his trip.

Students who are looking to get involved should "keep their eyes open," said Cardilino. There are many upcoming events in the works with SGA and CAB.

According to both Beasley and Cardilino, the most important thing is money and donations.

"What experts in relief are really calling for is cash," said Cardilino. "We are looking for ways for students to volunteer in Haiti. However, there are obstacles because they need specially-trained people such as physicians. The best way to help now is by giving money for needed supplies."

Students who are interested in giving their support should e-mail SGA members Courtney Beasley (beaslecb@gmail.com) or Ismael Ruiz (ruizismr@notes.udayton.edu) in order to be added to the e-mail list; or check the CSC Haiti Web site (http://www.udayton.edu/ministry/csc/Haiti.php).