Holy Cross Community Rallies for Japan Relief

The network of the Holy Cross community has felt the impact of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, and many on campus are mobilizing efforts to provide relief.

Three students studying abroad at Sophia University in Tokyo — Karen DellaFera ’12, Sara Mercuro ’12 and Robert Morrissey ’12 — are safe. Mercuro ’12, who was at home in America over break when the earthquake hit Japan, has been blogging about her reaction to the devastation. In addition, the Office of Alumni Relations is reaching out to a number of alumni in Japan.

Several student organizations across campus are working to raise money and stand in solidarity with the people of Japan.

The student group Advocating Student Interest in Asia, or ASIA, is planning a candle light vigil on April 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Hogan Courtyard. The event will include an opening prayer, musical performances, a candle lighting and quiet reflection.

All proceeds from ASIA’s annual cultural night ExplorASIAn, on April 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom, will go to Japan relief efforts. In addition to dinner, performances this year will include a tae kwon do demonstration, Balinese dance, belly dancing, a skit, a hip-hop dance, and more, according to Myung Jin Lee ’12, co-chair of ASIA. Tickets for the Holy Cross community are $5 (with Holy Cross ID), and can be purchased from April 4 to 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first floor of Hogan. Tickets for the general public are $7, and can be purchased by emailing ASIA@holycross.edu.



Last week, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship raised $200 by selling baklava for $1 apiece in the Hogan Campus Center, and collected material to help International Orthodox Christian Charities minister to the people in Japan. In addition, students collected one-gallon sealable plastic bags, combs, bars of soap, hand towels, toothbrushes, washcloths, metal nail files, nail clippers, and Band-Aids. Money raised will be used to purchase more of the items and will be included in hygiene kits, said Christina Kyriakos ’11, co-chair of Orthodox Christian Fellowship.

In addition, the Chaplains’ Office is making a donation to Caritas International, the social service arm of the Church that responds with food and other assistance.

The National Jesuit News site has more information about work the Jesuits are doing in Japan and suggestions for how to help.