Mercy Students/Faculty Assist Katrina Survivors
Mike Perrota
Issue date: 5/5/07 Section: News
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When the torrential rains came to a halt and the violent winds subsided, Mercy College students stood in a category of their own as they joined forces with staff, faculty, and the local community in relief and fundraising efforts that would provide aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
"I know they would make the same effort for us," said Shadrac St. Louis.
St. Louis, a junior English major at Mercy, was at the forefront of relief efforts at the college, organizing a drive to send needed supplies to the victims of the catastrophe.
St. Louis told The Impact that when he initially shared his relief ideas with others, they were not very convinced that he would be successful. However, he was not easily discouraged.
It was not long before the Office of Student Affairs caught wind of St. Louis's giving spirit and conviction to help those who could not help themselves. When his plan reached Iris Cordero's desk, it was enthusiastically received.
"Iris was very interested in being a part of our efforts, and without her help and the help of many others, it would not have been possible," St. Louis concluded.
St. Louis shared his esteem for the Office of Student Affairs and its reputation for going the extra mile to assist and empower students.
"Assisting St. Louis with the Katrina relief efforts was an easy decision for the Office of Student Affairs," said Cordero, the Dean of Student Affairs.
"We are always ready to assist students, faculty members, staff, and administrators with any projects they need help with."
The Rock of Salvation Church in Sleepy Hollow served as the base camp for St. Louis' Katrina drive where Mercy College, as well as many local organizations, merged together in the relief effort to collectively raise money, food, clothing, and medical supplies.
"The Word of God tells us to love our neighbors as we do ourselves," said Rick Vargas, Pastor of The Rock of Salvation Church.
"As a Church we have the responsibility to represent the Christ we preach about … it was not a choice, but our responsibility."
Elias Munuo was one of the volunteers who helped ensure the success of St. Louis' efforts. Munuo, a graduate student enrolled in Mercy's Physical Therapy program, transported boxes upon boxes of donated supplies from pickup locations throughout the county to the Rock of Salvation Church.
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