Rose-Hulman SAAC Completes Service Project to Help Those in Haiti

TERRE HAUTE, IN -- The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) completed its annual service project by collecting more than 2,400 pounds of clothing that will be donated to those in need in Haiti. 

The SAAC collection drive actually began as a small community service project that was announced at midday on Jan. 12.  Later in the afternoon, the catastrophic 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti, causing massive destruction. 

The Rose-Hulman campus community responded to the tragedy by donating goods, specifically clothing and shoes, to the effort.  Several organizations within the Terre Haute and Wabash Valley communities also provided donations that later amassed more than 75 bags and more than 2,400 pounds of items. 

"This drive began as a small project to help provide a friend and staff member collect clothes to take to Haiti for a mission trip that was eventually postponed, but this turned into much more once the earthquake hit Haiti," said Rose-Hulman SAAC advisor Brenda Goble.  "The Rose-Hulman campus, Wabash Valley residents and our SAAC committee responded to hopefully make a real difference to those in desperate need of supplies." 

Other key contributors to the project included Jim Martin, who provided assistance with a company truck to pick up and deliver clothing to the relay point; students and staff at St. Patrick's school in Terre Haute, a key community contributor; Susan Reynolds and the staff of the Rose-Hulman facilities department for supplying collection bins; the Lifeline Christian Mission; the Christian Student Fellowship; and Rose-Hulman's faculty, staff and students for donating to the effort. 

In addition to the effort involving Haiti, additional goods such as sweaters, boots and coats that were received in the drive will be donated to the Salvation Army of the Wabash Valley, to help those within the local community. 

The Rose-Hulman SAAC consists of one student leader from each of Rose-Hulman's 21 varsity sports teams.  The committee is designed to raise student-athlete concerns, issues and questions within the Rose-Hulman athletic department, the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference and NCAA Division III athletics.