One effort is led by a group organized by John Herrera of the Center for International Studies. At Duke the effort has worked through the center, Latino campus organizations, and the cooperation of nine arts and sciences departments and five Medical Center basic sciences departments. Like other organizations, the group is attempting to raise money because that's what can be sent into the country. Items such as food, medicine and clothing will be collected later when the infrastructure allows for distribution. Checks should be marked as going for Central American relief.
All donations are tax deductible.
Herrera says the group also is encouraging people to call U.S. Rep. David Price and U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms to urge additional emergency aid to the stricken countries and for forgiveness of external debt owed by the countries. Likewise, the Duke Chapel is raising funds. Ken Nelson, assistant dean of the chapel, said two weeks of chapel offerings are being earmarked for Central American relief. Donations can be sent to the chapel through campus mail at Box 90974. That word brought relief, but the good news was comparative.