By Rabita Aziz (January 14, 2005)

Continuing its new tradition of raising funds for a charity project, the International Club is selling "Care Packages" for the second year in a row. Care packages are basically boxes filled with foods that stressed teenagers like to eat, such as candy and fruit juices. These packages will be given out in the middle of mid-term exams next week as a small energizing treat that lets students know that their friends and family are thinking about them during this stressful time. A big hit during exam week last year, raising significant funds for charity, they were appreciated by grateful students who were happy to receive such a thoughtful surprise in the middle of one the most hectic times of the school year.

Originally the International Club had planned to add the money raised from the care packages to their refugee aid fund. Last year the International club raised over $500 to donate to a refugee aid organization, and this year they had hoped to top that amount substantially. But in light of the recent tragic events that took place in South Asia, club officials have decided that they will temporarily divert their funds to add to the money being raised by the George Mason community for tsunami relief. However, the club will not donate all the money raised this year to the tsunami relief effort, and will donate much of their raised funds to the original cause of helping refugees, because the many millions of suffering refugees in the world need aid as well. Club members are worried that so much money will be donated to aiding the millions of victims from the tsunami disaster, that other charity organizations will be ignored. Originally the International Club had planned to add the money raised from the care packages to their refugee aid fund. Last year the International club raised over $500 to donate to a refugee aid organization, and this year they had hoped to top that amount substantially.

Club members Rebecca and Vi hard at work making posters to advertise Care Pacakges,  sponsored by the International Club.

But in light of the recent tragic events that took place in South Asia, club officials have decided that they will temporarily divert their funds to add to the money being raised by the George Mason community for tsunami relief. However, the club will not donate all the money raised this year to the tsunami relief effort, and will donate much of their raised funds to the original cause of helping refugees, because the many millions of suffering refugees in the world need aid as well. Club members are worried that so much money will be donated to aiding the millions of victims from the tsunami disaster, that other charity organizations will be ignored.

Students and parents wishing to buy packages for their friends or children will be able to choose five items from a list that contains five categories. The first category is cookies/bars, with the choices of Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Nutri-Grain Bars, and Chewy bars. The second category is candy, with choices of Fruit Roll Ups, Twizzlers, Starbursts, and Skittles. The third category is crunchies, with Gold Fish, Chex Mix, Doritos, and Pretzels. The fourth category is chocolate, with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Chocolate bars, M&M’s, and Snickers. The last category is drinks, with water, juice boxes, or Gatorade. Each package will also contain some extra edible treats, along with a stress ball to relieve the student’s tension. Each care package costs $6, and again, all proceeds will be donated to tsunami relief.

Order forms are available outside Room E109 throughout this week, and will also be available Saturday at the International Club booth at the TRP Bazaar. Students and community members will also find activities to take part in at the Bazaar, such as henna (mehendi) the traditional body art form from Asia and Africa, along with students teaching the art of origami. International club advisor Ms. Planas, as well as all the club members would like to invite everyone to join the International Club in their efforts to add to TRP funds and aid the victims of perhaps the worst natural disaster in generations. The deadline for orders is Tuesday, January 18^th, and may be delivered directly to Ms. Planas in room E109, or any of the International Club members, as well as the International club box in the main office.