University of Dayton President Daniel J. Curran has called upon members of the University of Dayton community to extend a helping hand to residents of the hurricane-stricken area and to the relief and recovery efforts taking place. Here are some of the many ways you can contribute.

Make a Monetary Donation:

• University of Dayton students are collecting donations in Kennedy Union from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Sept. 16. Students are using their prepaid Flyer cards to donate the cost of a meal or make a cash donation to hurricane relief. Donations will be distributed to nonprofit organizations, such as the American Red Cross. Collections were taken at all Masses on campus last weekend to assist fund-raising efforts by Catholic Charities USA. In addition, the rector's office is collecting gift cards to donate to the families of UD employees who are relocating from the hurricane-stricken area. To contribute, call the Rev. Paul Marshall, S.M., at (937) 229-4122.
  
  
• "Dayton Flyers Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort" will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, in the University of Dayton Arena's east wing. The Community Blood Center will conduct a blood drive at the Arena, and employees of National City will be accepting monetary donations for the American Red Cross. Call (937) 229-4433.
  
  
• Monday, Sept. 12, "Day of Prayer" will mark the two-week anniversary of the hurricane. The 12:05 p.m. Mass in the Immaculate Conception Chapel will be offered for the victims and relief and recovery efforts. A prayer vigil, including exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, will take place in the chapel from the end of Mass until 4:30 p.m. Students, faculty and staff have been invited to sign up for 15- or 30-minute prayer periods during that time. The prayer vigil will conclude with a special prayer service/litany at 4:30 p.m.
  
  
• A benefit concert at Gilly's for victims of Katrina is being organized by UD donor relations coordinator Helen Moss and adjunct music professor Khalid Moss, who is inviting area musicians to participate and donate their talents. The concert takes place at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12. For ticket information, call Gilly's at (937) 228-8414.
  
  
• Michelle Phillips Moody, a 1992 alumna who owns a sporting goods store near Houston, where Katrina victims are being relocated, is encouraging UD student organizations and alumni to assist her in collecting needed supplies. "Refugees are living in people's garages and fire stations," she said. "Basically everything we take for granted is what these people need." Non-perishable foods, toiletries, pillows, blankets, water, diapers, underwear, shoes, glasses, clothing (suitable for 90-degree temperatures), socks, bug spray with DEET, toothpaste, toothbrushes, school supplies and telephone calling cards are needed. Donations may be sent to: Instant Replay SPORTS, c/o Michelle Moody, 19540 Clay Rd., Suite D, Katy, Texas 77449. Call (281) 463-2772.

Daniel J. Curran, president, has offered, with supervisory approval, salary and benefit continuation to full- and part-time staff who volunteer to assist with recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast area stricken by Hurricane Katrina. The continuation of salary and benefits will be granted for up to three weeks. These relief efforts should be coordinated with the American Red Cross or other appropriate agency. Interested staff members may contact the Office of Human Resources for more information about this process.

In addition, employees who have family members affected by Hurricane Katrina should contact the Office of Human Resources so that they might access some of the resources being generously donated by the UD family.

Guidelines for release time include:

1. Supervisory and unit leader approval is needed in advance of the request for administrative leave, and each employee's own department will fund the salary/benefits continuation.



2. Release time may be granted for regular full-time and part-time staff.



3. Release time may be granted only for official volunteer operations requiring travel to the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.



4. Individuals requesting release time should complete the Leave of Absence Form which may be obtained in the Office of Human Resources and provide management with appropriate documentation supporting the request. Acceptable documentation would include acceptance of participation from the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities or police or fire/rescue departments.



5. Paid leave will be for regular hours normally scheduled to work, and will not count against paid time off balances.



6. Employees approved for paid release time must sign a waiver acknowledging that Workers' Compensation does not cover injuries, illness or death as a result of the volunteer effort.



7. The University of Dayton reserves the right to limit the number of employees who can be on paid release time at any given period of time.