“At Villanova University we so often stress the importance of fellowship and community in all that we do. These ideals, rooted in our Augustinian identity, become even more important when we are confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges like those brought by Hurricane Sandy. We pray in solidarity with those affected along the East Coast, including the many members of the Villanova community - alumni, students and their families - whose lives have been changed by the storm.”
Fr. Peter Donohue, OSA
President
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Provide Financial Support to Villanova’s Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund
The most effective response to a natural disaster is to raise funds for organizations with relief expertise and local partners who know the needs of their communities. Villanova will direct money raised to Catholic Social Services of the Dioceses of Camden, which serves communities along the New Jersey shore from Atlantic City to Cape May. We will also assist Our Lady of Good Counsel, an Augustinian parish located in Staten Island, NY and their local partners.
You can make monetary donations electronically to an account designated especially for this purpose. to do so, click here.
You may als bring checks or cash to Campus Ministry, St. Rita Hall. Please make checks payable to: “Villanova University” and write Hurricane Relief on the memo line.
Volunteer and Donate Material Aid
Currently, the focus is on delivering essential aid and restoring basic services. It is difficult for people to find opportunities where they can assist effectively. The links below may help in this search. Villanova University does not endorse any particular organization or volunteer opportunity.
Update on Christmas Vacations Service Opportunities
On November 17th Villanova sent a group of volunteers to Staten Island, NY to assist with Hurricane Sandy relief. On December 1st another group assisted in Manasquan, NJ. In 2013, Villanova will continue to provide support to communities recovering from the storm. This will include opportunities to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity on weekends and a Service Break Experience, offered by Campus Ministry, during spring break.
The university will not be sponsoring any hurricane recovery volunteer opportunities during winter break. Members of the Villanova community who are interested in volunteering independently during this time may want to consider contacting the following organizations.
Habitat for Humanity of Atlantic County, NJ – www.achabitat.org Please email Debbie Van Sant at decenthomes@aol.com for more information.
We Come Home - http://www.wecomehome.com/ This organization can assist students from New York and New Jersey who may be interested in volunteering in their own communities.
Spring Break service locations were determined before this disaster. However, coordinators of Villanova’s Service Break Program are exploring the possibility for adding opportunities to assist with hurricane recovery during spring break.
For more information on any of the above, please contact Tim O’Connell in Campus Ministry ext. 94084 or timothy.oconnell@villanova.edu
Please check this website for updates on Villanova sponsored hurricane relief activities.
