Muslim, Christian and Jewish student organizations sponsored a two-week fund-raiser for survivors of the Dec. 26 tsunami.
"I think it's pretty significant," Laura Marquis, vice president of the Intervarsity and American Indian Christian Fellowship said. "We have our differences, but we can unite for a common cause."
Eric Kohen, co-chair of Hillel, a Jewish organization, said people seeing the groups work together was as important as the donations.
"It's definitely against the mass media mainstream to see peaceful co-existence of multi-religious groups," he said.
Kohen credits Shireen Jasser, a member of the Muslim Student Association, with the idea for the three groups to come together.
"It's about showing compassion for fellow humans in need of help, and we can all relate to that," Jesser said.
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The goal of the joint venture is to raise $1,500 for the United Nations Children's Fund, Marquis said. So far the groups have raised more than $900.
Marquis said close to 20 volunteers from all three religious groups have given their free time between classes to collect donations.
Volunteer Shawn Price said he spent some time this week manning the groups' table on the main level of the SUB across from Higher Grounds. Today and Thursday are the fund-raiser's last days. The table will be set up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"The experience has definitely been worthwhile," Price said.
Student Chris Lopez said he donated his lunch money to the tsunami relief effort. Even a small donation enables students to feel like they've contributed to a good cause, he said.
Lopez said media coverage of the tsunami caused him to think more about the importance of giving to those in need. During times of crisis, individuals should re-evaluate their priorities, he said.
"It's kind of difficult to eat a big Sonic hamburger when you see their sign," Lopez said. "We're all really fortunate to be safe and healthy and should definitely help those who aren't as lucky as us whenever we can."
- Marisa Demarco
contributed to this report.
