The university hopes to raise $500,000 for students affected by Hurricane Katrina.
“We will work with the Alumni Association and at each of the home football games, in conjunction with other student organizations, to match and exceed this goal,” Student Association President Jon David Cole said.
Mississippi State University’s Student Association established the Student Relief Fund to administer money raised to students displaced from Hurricane Katrina.
“We’ve raised almost $33,000 from fans and students at the MSU-Murray State game, with $18,000 coming from parking fees,” SA assistant chief of staff Keeyon Scott said.
“The fund-raising effort will continue at least throughout this semester, since the needs are significant, but we feel confident that we will be able to ensure that no one is forced to leave school as a result of hurricane-related financial problems,” MSU president Charles Lee said.
Melissa Sharp, a student from Long Beach, said she’s going to apply to the relief fund.
“My mom was a seamstress, and she’ll be out of work for a while now. I’ve heard good things from others who have already joined,” Sharp said.
Another student expressed concern regarding the financial aid office’s ability to help those directly affected.
“One of my friends was trying to apply to the fund, but the financial aid office told her that she needed to have her FAFSA completed before they could proceed.” said Sara Knobbe, a student from Pass Christian. “It’s a little difficult to complete that when she doesn’t have a house anymore, much less tax records.”
The newly formed Bulldog Response Team will soon be contacting students to tell them exactly how they can help, Scott said. “The team will be organizing trips to the Coast, giving students the opportunity to directly help with the situation.”
Students interested in volunteering on these trips can sign up by calling the SA office at 325-3917.
The campus is housing approximately 80 evacuees, assistant director of conferences, guest housing and summer camps Shay McDonnall said. “The number constantly fluctuates; at one time, we had 160 people staying here. It changes almost daily.”
Several area businesses and campus facilities have also opened up to evacuees, she said. “Bulldog Lanes is giving discounted rates to evacuees, and the Sanderson Center is allowing any family member from the displaced region access to the exercise facilities, free of charge.”
Lee said MSU is continuing its commitment to give back to those students. “Some great friends of the university have made significant pledges, but we continue to need help from everyone, as the short-term need will exceed $500,000.”
“Mississippi State has an Extension Service in every county, and each county is sending something. Backhoes, tractors, and other construction tools are being coordinated through the centers, and sent directly to the Coast,” said Tim Jackson, president of the Resident Hall Association. “From the student relief fund to our alliance with Project Embrace, there has just been an enormous outpouring of giving from people, and it’s very encouraging to those who’ve lost everything.”