When an appeal for fundraising came from the president of Virginia Tech, a few students decided to answer the call and do their part to help the Blacksburg community recover from America’s deadliest campus shooting.
“I wanted to contribute in some charitable way,” said Steven Perkins, a member of the College Democrats. “I did a search on Virginia Tech’s Web site. One of the top links on their page site showed how we could help, so I decided to organize the group and try and raise some money.”
Volunteers from the club began soliciting donations at the bottom of the Culp Center’s outdoor ramp on Wednesday, collecting nearly $100 in only two hours.
Allison Lowe, secretary of the College Democrats, appealed to passing students for dollar donations.
“I can’t exactly go to Virginia Tech right now in the middle of finals, so it’s just a really good way for me to contribute,” Lowe said. “I’ve given my own money and asking people for a dollar is really easy.”
All the money collected will go toward assistance for victims and their families, grief counseling and memorials.
“Steven Perkins e-mailed me and he said it should be something we could sponsor and then donate the money on behalf of ETSU students, faculty and staff,” she said.
Perkins added the group wanted the donation to represent the entire university, not just the College Democrats.
The club plans to continue raising funds through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the base of the outdoor ramp leading into the Culp Center.

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