“Thanks for Giving” event to benefit tsunami-struck Samoa

The Campus Activities Board will be hosting a program this year on Nov. 19 called “Thanks for Giving” to help support the country of Samoa. Samoa was hit by an 8.3 magnitude earthquake in late September which then triggered a deadly tsunami that rushed over the island. Approximately 129 people were killed and various villages were completely wiped out. The earthquake generated three separate tsunami waves with the largest measuring 16 feet high. Eight students on campus who are from Samoa lost loved ones to this tragedy. “I am excited about being part of this event that is aimed at doing good deeds for another community,” Senior Associate Director and Campus Activity Board advisor Wendy Morgan said. “I am glad that this program will allow us to have a direct impact on some of our students.” The donation boxes will be placed all over campus in locations such as Smith Hall, Prairie Crossing Apartments, Whitley Hall and New Pride Apartments. They will be collecting donations in advance such as bottled water, cans, clothing, and blankets for Samoa. “This type of event brings students, faculty and community members together to support those who have fallen,” Campus Activities Board President Sarah Cunningham said. “The event brings people together to help one another.” There will be a “Thanks for Giving” dinner on Thursday, Nov. 19 between 6-8:30p.m. at the Sam Rayburn Student Center conference rooms. At the event, thanksgiving dinner will be served and the Samoan students will be giving a presentation about the tsunami that hit their country and thanking students for all their donations. “Everyone in Campus Activities Board is contributing ideas and suggestions to make the event something meaningful to the campus,” Cunningham said. Tickets to the dinner will be provided to anyone who donates an item that is needed, such as five cans or other items. The tickets will be available at the front desk of each of the locations. “I think it will be a great event,” Campus Activities Board Vice President of logistics Freddie Siebenthaler said. “We are taking donations to give back to the country of Samoa and for the Samoans for all their hardships they have to go through recently.”