Katrina has destroyed much of the Gulf Coast.

Hundreds of thousands of people are without homes, millions are without electricity and water, and anarchy reigns in New Orleans. As college students in sunny Abilene, it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of tragedy. After all, we can’t just quit school and go help, and we don’t have thousands of dollars to donate to the cause.

However, college students can make a difference and help the victims of the hurricane in their time of need.

Although most of us aren’t overflowing with extra cash, we do have much more than the people of New Orleans, Biloxi, Miss., and the rest of the Gulf Coast. Students can easily give up Route 66 drinks from Sonic for a week to save a few bucks, or rent a movie on Friday night rather than going out. If everyone on campus, including all 4,250 students and 550 graduate students and 200 faculty members gave $5 to the hurricane victims, the university could send $25,000; If everyone gave $10, we could send $50,000, which, according to salvationarmy.com, could feed 500 four-person families for two days, provide them each with two cases of drinking water and a clean-up kit.

Do you really need that Cherry Limeade?

Another big way students can help the situation is to buy less gas. The hurricane shut down eight oil refineries in the Gulf, President Bush said in his address to the nation Wednesday night. The United States will be tapping into its emergency reserve and depending more on Middle Eastern countries for its gas. I’m sure students have noticed that gas prices have already begun rising. By walking to class and carpooling, students can conserve gas and help keep prices down. It might not seem like a big deal, but every little bit helps.

You can also send the extra money you save on gas to the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

Victims of the hurricane need fresh water, food, medical care and clean-up supplies immediately. While we might not be able to provide those necessary items to them directly, we can do our share here in Abilene to help.

As Christians it is our duty to help the weak and powerless. First, pray—then send money. We have been blessed, and it is now our turn to help those in need. Do your part.