Ohio State students rushed to aid Haiti victims after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the country.

Student groups met in the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center Wednesday to discuss how to help Haiti.

They discussed plans to host a charity banquet and upcoming fundraisers to raise money. They also discussed designating several locations on campus where donors can drop off money.

Representatives from several black student groups came to the meeting, including the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Society of Sisters and the National Society of Black Engineers.

Director of the Office of Minority Affairs Larry Williamson said the meeting was arranged so OSU groups could collaborate to help Haiti victims. “Our goal is to make sure that we coordinate the effort for our students, departments and units on campus to support the Haiti relief situation,” Williamson said. “We firmly believe by compiling information and gathering our resources will certainly facilitate the experience for those that want to participate and help out in this tragic situation.”

He said it is important to combine all of OSU’s resources so that students are able to maximize their efforts.

“Here at Ohio State we know there are going to be a lot of initiatives,” Williamson said. “We don’t care who is helping and encourage everybody to do it, but let’s just make sure we coordinate our efforts.”

President of Delta Sigma Theta Aleesha Carter said her sorority will be collecting food, clothing and money to help those in Haiti. The unification of university members is the only way to effectively help victims, she said.

“We understand the importance of maximizing the relief efforts for the Haiti victims,” Carter said. “This aid will unify our own communities and student organizations and bring awareness of the devastating earthquake situation.”

Christine Placide, chair of the events committee of Society of Sisters, also attended the meeting. She was personally impacted by the quake because her family lives in the country.

Her student group will be collecting clothing, health care items and monetary donations to help earthquake survivors.

“We want to do all we can to help the victims rebuild their lives,” Placide said.