First-Years Take Up Collection For Victims of Terrorist Attacks

At 8:00 a.m. yesterday, when most first-years were still trying to rouse themselves for the second day of classes, a few students were already hard at work collecting money for the victims of this week’s terrorist attacks.

Led by Esther Y. Tian ’05 a group of student from F-entryway in Canaday Hall and their friends started a collection yesterday in front of the entrance of the first-year dining hall at Annenberg.

“When I heard I felt like we should do something as freshmen even though we’re new here,” she said.

Tian said she did disaster relief fundraising in high school and wanted to do something to help the victims of Tuesday’s attacks.

Tian proposed the idea of collecting money at her proctor group meeting Wednesday night. After contacting the public-service umbrella group Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) about the idea, she organized shifts to man the 5-gallon money collection bottle on steps in front of Annenberg Hall. PBHA is helping oversee the collection sites. Tian says the money will be given to American Red Cross relief efforts.

According to PBHA Summer Group Program Officer Laura E. Clancy ’02, PBHA is providing assistance to the students who are collecting donations but the effort is not part of any set student group. While first-years have been stationed in front of Annenberg, students in other classes have been posted by PBHA in front of the Science Center. Clancy said that the efforts would extend to the houses in a few days. She said she became involved with the effort when Tian approached her and she realized that no one else was working on collectiong donations from students.

At 2:00 p.m. yesterday with the afternoon sun beating down, three first-years sat and asked for donations.

“We’re trying to do what we can,” said Lindsey A. Freeman ’05, Tian’s roommate. She said the outpouring of support for the idea at the meeting was immediate.

“It was amazing to me how many people immediately said yes,” she said. “They said ‘just let me check my schedule but I’m doing it.’ ”

Also helping collect donatations was Mervin John ’05, a New York City native. He said his brother, who goes to Stuyvesant High School, was not able to contact his family for over four hours Tuesday morning. Stuyvesant is located near where the World Trade Center buildings used to stand.

“At college, I feel isolated from what’s going on,” he said.

But he said he was glad he had the opportunity to help out.

As first-years walked by, many emptied the change from their pockets or promised to come back with a donation.

“We’ve had donations from a few pennies to $20,” Freeman said.

Yadani J. Beyene ’05, who was sitting with Freeman and John, said that some people may not want to think about the attacks.

“The biggest problem is denial,” she said. “People don’t want to think about it or do anything about it.”

Tian says volunteers will be collecting in front of Annenberg at least through today.

Donations for terror victims were also collected in unrelated efforts across the College including in Adams House Dining Hall.

In other efforts at the university to help victims of the attacks, University Health Services director Dr. David S. Rosenthal ’59 wrote in an email that Universty blood donation sites were nearing capacity, He wrote that those wishing to donate blood can put their names on a list to donate blood when they can be accomodated. He also suggested starting food and clothing drives for victims.

Those who wish to donate blood can put their name on the list by emailing donation@uhs.harvard.edu.

--Staff writer Jonathan H. Esensten can be reached at esensten.fas.harvard.edu