"...we can't help but to reach out..."

VENNARD COLLEGE SENDING WORK TEAMS TO AID HURRICANE VICTIMS September 8, 2005-(University Park, IA)-Dr. Bruce Moyer, president of Vennard College, announced today that more than 40 members of the student body, faculty and staff are being mobilized to go to Alabama and Mississippi to help hurricane victims. Teams will be leaving on Thursday, Sept. 15 and returning on Saturday, Sept. 24. All classes at Vennard will be cancelled during the week. Teams may be working with the Red Cross and the Salvation Army in Jackson, MS, who have asked for 20 volunteers in their area. Teams may also work in the Bayou La Batre, AL area where two Vennard alumni live and pastor. Their church and much of the community were destroyed.

The college is receiving contributions to help cover the cost of fuel, food, and equipment for the effort. The goal is to raise $15,000. MUSCO Sports Lighting has already made an initial contribution of $2,500. Any excess funds raised will be donated to help the hurricane victims. The college will not profit from this venture. Students, faculty and staff members who remain behind will participate on work teams in Oskaloosa during Community Service Day on September 20 and also support the Vennard Cougar volleyball team, who were scheduled to play three home games during this time.

The college also raised $1,000 in just two days to help students at sister Christian colleges hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. "When a disaster like this strikes, we can't help but to reach out to those who are hurting and in need," stated Dr. Bruce Moyer, president of Vennard College. "We decided to send our donations to the United Christian College Fund, who will be distributing the donationed money to students at Christian colleges and seminaries who were most affected by Hurricane Katrina."

"...everything they have left
fits into a small box."

The college is also helping the family of student, Denise Rodriguez, who lost nearly everything in the disaster. "Most of my family lived in the region of Louisiana that was hardest hit by hurricane," stated Denise. "Fortunately, they all got out before the hurricane hit, but everything they have left fits into a small box."

The Trinity Friends Church in Richland, Iowa, has donated the use of their parsonage for the family of six, who arrived on Sunday night. If you would like to help this family, you can make cash donations through Vennard College by Wednesday, September 14.

If you would like to pray, we covet your intercession for the victims -- the lost, the church families, and the school ministries devastated by the hurricane. We also need your prayer support for our efforts to provide some relief to hurting people. Please let us know you're praying. Email us now!

If you would like to give, please make your check out to Vennard College, with "Hurricane Assistance" in the memo line. To notify us of your contribution, the availability of a van, or if you have further questions, please call Dr. Moyer's office at 641-673-4345 x 104 or email us about your donation.