Belmont Abbey College Students Issue Challenge to Charlotte Universities; Abbey Organizes Relief Efforts, Prayer Vigil for Hurricane Victims

The campus community at Belmont Abbey College are combining their efforts to help make a difference -- with donations and prayer.

Belmont, NC (PRWEB) September 2, 2005 -- As rescuers lend a hand to survivors on the Gulf Coast and begin assessing the damage following Hurricane Katrinas lethal destruction this week, the campus community at Belmont Abbey College are combining their efforts to help make a difference.

Students will hold a prayer vigil beginning at 12:20 PM on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 in front of the Student Commons. Belmont Abbey Colleges Office of Campus Ministry is inviting all to attend and pray for those dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

In addition, Belmont Abbey Colleges Office of Residence Life is organizing a relief effort, Give To The Gulf!"

Beginning Wednesday, August 31, 2005 through Friday, September 2, 2005, students, faculty and staff can drop off donations and supplies outside the Student Commons (from 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, and 4:30-6:30 PM) that will be shipped to families in need in that area.

We just want to help those who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina," says Nicole Damiano, an area coordinator at Belmont Abbey College. The students are looking for a way to help and not everyone knows how they can help make a difference. Many are willing to give the money they have in their pockets because of all the stories on the news."

In addition to monetary donations, participants may also bring any of the following items: water or other beverages (by the case), batteries, generators, canned goods, baby diapers and baby formula, chain saws, and extension cords. Monetary donations should be made payable to the American Red Cross.

Damiano and Abby Curfman, who is also an area coordinator for the Office of Residence Life at the Abbey, decided to help the students organize their efforts. As they collect items, they will be delivering all donations and supplies to local morning deejays, Ace and TJ from Charlotte radio station, KISS 95.1-FM.

We are issuing a challenge -- not just to students and faculty at the Abbey -- but to all private colleges and universities in the greater Charlotte area. Were had so much positive response to our efforts so far," says Damiano.

For more information on donation drop-off locations and times, contact the Office of Residence Life at 704.825.6893.

Ranked one of the best comprehensive colleges in the Southeast by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review, Belmont Abbey College celebrates excellence and virtue steeped in its 129-year Catholic Benedictine heritage. The liberal arts College is home to students from over 34 states and 26 countries and welcomes everyone from any background or tradition committed to this vision of excellence and virtue. The campus consists of the College, the Monastery and the Abbey Basilica, which can be found on its sprawling 650 acres of picturesque landscape.

Just minutes from Charlotte, NC, the nations second largest banking center, Belmont Abbey College offers students numerous internship opportunities and career placement.

The College believes in development of the whole person -- mind, body and spirit. By offering a wide array of clubs and activities including Division II athletics, theatre, publications, and study abroad, Belmont Abbey College invests in the personal growth of its students.

Founded in 1876, the College celebrates its heritage and is inspired by the Benedictine monastic tradition. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the College and Abbey Basilica greet thousands of visitors each year.

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