The Norman Transcript
May 17, 2008 12:22 am
—
Transcript Staff Writer
For many Americans, the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that struck China's Sichuan's province can seem like a distant tragedy. The horrific death toll reported to be approaching 50,000 can be almost impossible to imagine.
But for some students in Norman, the earthquake hit much closer to home.
Tao Lu is a University of Oklahoma political science doctoral student from China. He said many of the 400 students from China at OU know people affected by the earthquake.
"I know some of them have relatives and friends in that area," he said.
The Society of Chinese Students and Scholars set up a booth in the Oklahoma Memorial Union Wednesday through Friday to collect donations for the Red Cross' relief effort.
The response to the society's fundraising has been positive. By early Friday, the group had raised nearly $5,000.
Lu said he is thankful for the support he's seen from the Norman community.
The Society of Chinese Students and Scholars wanted to do something to help the people of China, so they decided to raise money, said Ying Chen, journalism graduate student from China.
"We think our people need our help, so I think this way is a direct way we can help," she said.
The group will collect donations in front of both Norman Wal-Marts 4-8 p.m. today and Sunday. The group also will collect donations in a fund at Midfirst Bank to the account of Society of Chinese Students and Scholars, No. 4201002082.
The Red Cross also allows donations designated to the 2008 China earthquake online at www.redcross.org.
Julianna Parker 366-3541 jparker@normantranscript.com
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.