Interfaith vigil remembers those impacted by Sandy

Students and staff gathered in LaRose Digital Theatre on Friday to offer prayer and support for regions impacted by the recent hurricane.

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Members of the Elon University community gathered in prayer and quiet reflection Nov. 2 to show their support from afar for the millions of people in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states affected by Hurricane Sandy in recent days.

The program sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life took place in the LaRose Digital Theatre where students, staff and Elon President Leo M. Lambert heard prayers representing Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions.

“We are really thankful that your are here as we mark a very difficult time for many people in our country,” said University Chaplain Jan Fuller. “We know that Sandy was a very fierce hurricane which killed (many) human beings and many animals. It really devastated areas of New York and New Jersey and Connecticut. … It’s good for us to come together today to remember those who are suffering because of this hurricane and who are in grief with devastating losses and a long-term recovery ahead of them.”

Mary Morrison, director of the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement, also gave remarks to inform the audience of what discussions were underway at the university for ways to offer relief assistance.

Fundraising drives are in the planning stages, and logistics are starting to take shape for a possible Habitat for Humanity service trip to the region between Winter Term and the start of the spring semester, a week better known on campus as “Fake Break.”

“I know that when a crisis like this happens there’s an urge inside all of us to do something and to make a difference,” Morrison said. “If any of you know anything else going on, please talk with me … and I’d be happy to share information.”