What the Penn Community Can Do to Help

To Members of the University Community,

The Penn community--along with the rest of the nation--is reeling in the aftermath of one of the most horrific attacks ever against the United States. Many of us want to do something to help, but aren't sure what to do.

Here are some options:

A special table was set up, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting September 14, in Houston Hall to collect donations for the American Red Cross. Checks should be made out to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Over $7,700 was donated by the Penn community on Friday.

You can also make a financial donation at www.redcross-philly.org or by calling 1-866-272-7372. Contributions can also be sent to the American Red Cross, 23rd and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Blood donations are also needed and can be arranged by contacting: www.pleasegiveblood.org or by calling 1-800-448-3543.

Student and faculty and staff volunteer efforts are being coordinated through Civic House (see below), the Undergraduate Assembly and Greek organizations, among others. Representatives from these organizations will be staffing a table in Houston Hall.

--John Fry, Executive Vice President

To Members of the Penn Community,

In response to September 11th's tragic events, there has been an outpouring of concern through a variety of means, ranging from blood donations to financial contributions, and more. The American Red Cross has also been eager to make use of people offering themselves as volunteers, but the extent of the emergency has made it difficult to identify specific local opportunities to help.

In partnership with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross, we are eager to help connect Penn students, faculty, and staff who are interested in volunteering, particularly in the next few days. There are immediate needs for volunteers over the next few days at two Philadelphia sites: their Center City Community Donor Center at 7th & Spring Garden Streets, and their Regional Headquarters at 23rd & Chestnut Streets.

Given the tremendous number of people who have called the Red Cross to offer support, the organization desperately needs people to help at these two sites. Volunteers are mainly needed to assist with answering phones and data entry.

We expect to hear from the Red Cross about future opportunities, and will keep the Penn community informed as we learn more. Thank you in advance for your help.

--Isabel Mapp, Associate Director, Faculty, Staff and Alumni Volunteer Services/Director, Penn Volunteers In Public Service, Center for Community Partnerships

Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 4, September 18, 2001

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:

Tuesday,
September 18, 2001
Volume 48 Number 4
www.upenn.edu/almanac/