Students at the University of Scranton often raise money for causes, from cancer research to victims of natural disasters.
To many of the students, the latest cause is not just close to home - it is home.
When Superstorm Sandy devastated the coast, the storm hit the homes of friends and family of university students. More than 1,000 students are from and 6,500 alumni currently live in designated disaster counties in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, according to the university.
"This is very personal," said Patricia Vaccaro, director of the school's center for service and social justice. "It's really hitting a lot of our students."
Student groups have organized supply drives. The women's basketball team will be dropping off items to a shelter on the way to play New York University on Sunday. Alumni are reaching out to see how they can help. Representatives from counseling, campus ministry, student affairs and financial aid have set up a table in the student center to help students whose families were affected, or to advise students who want to help others.
On Thursday, paper towels, toilet paper and cleaning supplies were among items collected during a drive at the university's diversity fair.
Professor Teresa Grettano, who is from Long Island, helped organize the efforts.
"It's part of our mission to do this kind of service," said Ms. Grettano, who teaches freshman writing courses.
Junior Brianna Reigstad of Sparta, N.J., is helping organize a supply drive as a member of two education clubs on campus.
"It just hits home for a lot of people at the University of Scranton," she said.
Boxes for collection drives are located in buildings across campus, and donations from the public are welcome. Nonperishable food, cleaning supplies, toiletries and hygiene products, blankets and towels and needed.
Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter