Author: Zoe Forster
This past week has been hard for the Cornell community after the 400 Stewart Avenue fire displaced 44 students on Tuesday. Nonetheless, the Cornell and Ithaca communities have come together in solidarity to show their support, readily offering their time and resources to the individuals affected by the blaze. Here are just a few ways you can help as well:
1. Walk through Ho Plaza on your way to class. Even if it’s not on your way to class – find a way to make it on your way to class. The Cornell Mortar Board Society is hosting a drive on Ho Plaza from noon to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow, encouraging students to donate clothes, towels, school supplies, and homeware. We all have a few extra t-shirts we can lend to a fellow Cornellian.
2. If you go to the drive at Ho Plaza (highly encouraged), there will be art supplies to write a nice, encouraging note to help support the affected students. Even if your handwriting looks like a five year olds’, your note will be appreciated.
3. Donate online at http://www.gofundme.com/rw5dyc4. All proceeds will be given to a Cornell account created specifically for the affected students and will be dispersed as needed.
4. You can also donate to individual funds that were set up by students’ friends and family members. Here are a couple of links we’ve come across:
http://www.gofundme.com/rw6me2a
http://www.gofundme.com/rxqzrc
5. As we come together to show our support, we can’t forget to include the Chapter House employees who are just as much part of the Cornell community as our fellow students. There will be a fundraiser tomorrow at Lot 10 located at 106 S. Cayuga St. with beer, music, and a silent auction with prizes from local Ithaca companies and restaurants. All proceeds will go to those employees affected by the fire. If you can’t make it to tomorrow’s fundraiser, donations will be accepted all week at The Shop located at 312 E. Seneca St.
It’s a beautiful day: take a walk through Ho Plaza – maybe even take a trip with your friends to Lot 10 down in the Commons. And while you’re sitting bored in class, click on the links above and make a donation. These are just a few quick and easy things you can do to help out the individuals affected by the fire. The smallest contribution will make a difference. In times of need, the Big Red community will always support its own.
