Wake Forest renames hurricane relief committee

The committee, originally formed in response to Hurricane Katrina, changed its name so it could address the needs of Hurricane Rita victims and respond to future disasters.

“By forming the initial committee, we’ve learned who to get in one room and how to begin coordinating campus-wide relief efforts in times of crisis or disaster,” said Wake Forest Chaplain Tim Auman. “We now have a forum that enables us to respond proactively and quickly. Although we see our current efforts with hurricane relief continuing for quite some time, the work will eventually come to an end and the committee will suspend. However, we will remain “on-call” and will reactivate in times of crisis at the request of the President’s Office or the vice president of Student Life.”

WFRRC, which consists of students, members of the university’s staff and representatives from the university’s professional schools, serves as a clearinghouse for the university’s relief efforts and provides assistance in communicating and coordinating those efforts. The committee is led by Auman and Andrea Ellis, assistant director of student development.

WFRRC continues to provide assistance to hurricane victims. Since the storm, the Reynolda campus has held more than 20 different events to provide opportunities for students, faculty, staff and members of the Winston-Salem community to participate in relief efforts. Wake Forest has raised nearly $20,000 for the American Red Cross and collected thousands of canned goods and other supplies for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Other relief efforts scheduled include:

• University Theatre Fundraiser & Reception: Oct. 2, 2 p.m., MainStage Theatre, Scales Fine Arts Center. All proceeds from the matinee performance of “Hayfever” will be donated to the American Red Cross. A fundraiser reception will also be held at 4:15 p.m. Sponsored by the University Theatre.
• Comedy Night: Oct. 7, 9 p.m., Pugh Auditorium, Benson University Center. $10 admission (cash or Deacon dollars). Sponsored by Theta Chi.
• Donations for Second Harvest Food Bank: Collection bins remain set up on the Reynolda Campus at Wait Chapel, Facilities Management and Worrell Professional Center. Goods can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Items needed:

• Single-serving snacks in pop-top containers and other single-serving items (No perishables or glass)
• Drinking water in single-serving plastic bottles
• Paper goods
• Cleaning supplies
• Diapers and baby formula
• Flashlights and batteries

Volunteer service trips to the Gulf Coast region, a toy drive, and local efforts for displaced families in the Winston-Salem area are all in the planning stages.

Wake Forest initially responded to the disaster by accepting a limited number of students for late admission to the university when their own Gulf Coast schools were closed after the hurricane. Faculty members in the university’s counseling department have traveled to the Gulf Coast to provide counseling services. Students continue to volunteer with local organizations working with displaced families, and the university continues to provide assistance to those students, alumni and students with families affected by the storm in numerous ways.