The Avila University Athletic Department has joined the rest of America in providing assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. On Saturday September 3rd, a freewill donation was held at halftime of the Avila football game with Graceland University (IA). Over $600 and almost 1000 minutes in long distance calling cards were collected. The proceeds of this drive will go directly to the families of hospitalized children from the New Orleans area who were recently transferred to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

The Athletic Department is also coordinating a campus-wide effort to collect supplies for shipment to areas affected by the tragedy. As part of the Eagle's participation in the NAIA's Champions of Character Program, the athletic department is serving as a collection point for donations of personal items, cleaning supplies, and infant supplies. These items will be donated to the Heart to Heart program, one of the many charitable organizations providing relief in the Gulf Coast area.

For more information or to make a donation of cash or items, contact the Avila Athletic Department at 816-501-3634.