Instead of a single person, this week the campus celebrity, or rather celebrities, are all of the UTK students, faculty, etc. that have stepped up in support of the families suffering from the recent storm wave. Alot of us have dented cars and shattered windows, but UT students weren’t worried about a few dings. There has been an overwhelming amount of support from UT toward the people in Alabama who suffered so much worse.
A special thanks goes out to TeamVOLS! Volapalooza is a time for dancing, celebrating, and fun. But UTK students still took the time to make sure we could do our part while we celebrated. TeamVOLS quickly organized a donation system to send items to Alabama, different parts of Tennessee, and other areas that were devastated by the storms.
TeamVOLS set up a table at Volapalooza on April 29 to collect donation iteams as well as monetary donations. A Facebook event was created, and word spread like wildfire to UTK students ready and willing to help. It is times like this that we really show people our Volunteer spirit. It’s not just a name, but a way of being.
An Alabama alumni wrote on the Facebook event wall, “Thank you, UT for doing this!!! As an Alabama graduate, I have been so saddened by the destruction in Tuscaloosa. They have suffered so much devastation, and it is wonderful to see the SEC come together and support one another. Wal-Mart cards have been requested as a wonderful donation option, as well. Alabama needs all the help they can get to rebuild and start again. Your support will be appreciated more than you know.”
Great job TeamVOLS and all of the UTK students doing their part to help the relief efforts. Donations are continuing to be accepted in the TeamVOLS office, room 315-A in the University Center. Specific donation items to consider include toiletries (toothbrushes, hygene kits), clothes (especially pants and undergarments), non-perishable food (crackers, cans, etc) and bottled water.
Go Volunteers!