The Office of Student Programs Leadership and Development (OSPLD) along with the Bay Area chapter of the American Red Cross came together to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina on Friday afternoon at Malcolm X Plaza.

Donating was not the only theme of the afternoon. Raising awareness about the various ways students and the SF State community, as a whole, can join the relief efforts by volunteering was also addressed. Doing their part to contribute, the steel pan band, Coconut Hut Entertainment, volunteered to play for this event without charge.

“A lot of people want to help but don’t know how to get involved and this event is a way to get that information to the students,” said Joey Greenwell, director for OSPLD.

From the very beginning of the event, Greenwell called for a moment of silence from the crowd to reflect and send thoughts to the victims. A moderate amount of silence ensued from those in the general vicinity of the plaza, which were not many. Total in attendance minus the volunteers and the representatives from various organizations were about 60.

Much of what was said and done in the name of the hurricane victims fell on deaf ears, since the event was held on a Friday when much of the student population is not on campus.

Despite this downfall, the student, faculty and staff onlookers plus those merely passing through, managed to reach into their pockets and donate whatever amount of money they had to spare to the Red Cross donation buckets.

“In a little over a week, $450 million has been raised, but the damage caused by Katrina is estimated at about $100 billion,” said Red Cross Fundraiser Coordinator Melody Chandler.

In the wake of this crisis, charity scams in the name of helping victims have surfaced which have subsequently caused reluctance in many to donate. According to information found at the Web site charitynavigator.org, an independent charity evaluator, most of the money (.92 on the dollar) donated to the American Red Cross goes directly to the victims.

The money collected will be used to provide food, clothing, and the daily operation of shelters. According to Chandler, more money is needed and despite the overwhelming number of volunteers flooding the Red Cross, many more volunteers are still needed.

For those not in attendance on Friday and would still like to donate or volunteer, go to SF Gate to obtain a list of reputable organizations as well as contact the San Francisco Urban Institute, SF State’s liaison for local volunteer opportunities.