The Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life at Syracuse University will host a Hurricane Sandy relief drive, aiding those affected by the superstorm.

Hillel will accept donation items such as toiletries, canned food, clothing and batteries, said Rachel Mandel, social action vice president for Hillel. She said students and those in the SU community can donate any item that might help victims.

In the lobby of the Hillel Center at 102 Walnut Ave., there is a box in which students can place their goods. The drive started Friday and will continue through Dec. 14.

“After what happened, we wanted to do something helpful, especially since so many students and members are from that area,” said Mandel, a sophomore psychology and Judaic studies major.

The items will be donated to Island Harvest, an organization that donates food to hungry people in New York, Mandel said

Hannah Miller, president of Hillel, said she encourages students to donate to the drive because of the timing of the holiday season.

“People who you would never think needed things now need things. It’s our duty as humans and as Jewish people to give back,” said Miller, a junior advertising major.

Miller added that she has received a lot of interest and verbal commitment from people who are interested. One student donated eight jars of peanut butter.

As incentive, those who donate will be entered into a raffle for a $20 gift card to a store or restaurant on Marshall Street.

Hillel is currently in the process of organizing a trip this Thanksgiving to help those that were affected by Superstorm Sandy, Mandel said. While the details have yet to be set, Mandel said she hopes the Hillel members can help fix damaged homes and pass out food to those in need during their trip.

It is not uncommon for Hillel to donate or participate in disaster relief when a disaster or tragedy strikes, Miller said. She added that Hillel donated goods to those affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Said Miller: “When something like this happens, and it affects our family and Jewish community, we do whatever we can to help.”

Published on November 13, 2012 at 2:25 am

Contact Meredith: mhnewman@syr.edu | @MerNewman93