By Emily Windram
Staff Writer

Following the recent devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, which literally hit home for many people at Hofstra, students now feel more inspired than ever to help those in need.

The perfect outlet for the recent rise in benevolence is Hofstra’s Red Cross club. The club’s ultimate goal is to provide Red Cross services to the community, which is achieved in various methods, from hosting campus fundraisers to volunteering at New York City shelters. Because the club is volunteer-based, it welcomes members of all backgrounds and experience levels to participate.

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, the club has been heavily involved with relief funds and activities. As a chapter of the American Red Cross, it helped to make calls for assistance both before and after the storm. The club also collaborated with the University for a food, clothing and item drive, and many club members worked in conjunction with other campus clubs in local community events. Volunteers then responded to email invites regarding even more opportunities to hand out food and clothing throughout Long Island and New York City.

“We asked members to dedicate their time whenever possible through the National Red Cross, said co-president Linda Liu. “As a club, we aim to give our services as much as possible.”

The club’s regular activities include volunteering at blood drives, working in soup kitchens and collecting toiletries to donate to underprivileged people. Recent events include Disaster Preparedness Week, which served to educate people on how to both prepare for and respond to emergencies, and a measles fundraiser, which raised money for measles vaccinations.

“I personally like the comfort kit drives,” said co-president Arfa Mirza. “These are of great benefit to local community members affected by disasters of any kind.”