Nepal, located in South Asia, may be over 8,000 air miles away, but when tragedy struck April 25, the heart of Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) reached out to 46 students from Nepal who were affected by a disastrous earthquake. Currently, OCCC Foundation is raising funds to help its own during this hardship. Take the opportunity to take care of those in need and donate now.

“The devastation is so expansive. Our students are hurting. Some of our students have lost family members; others have no way of accessing money, since many financial institutions have collapsed,” said Institutional Advancement Director of Development Jennifer Harrison.

As of April 30, the earthquake is known to have killed at least 6,300 and injured more than twice as many. The earthquake caused avalanches on Mount Everest, landslides in the Langtang Valley and devastating damage to historical sites, such as the Kathmandu Durbar Square. It has been said to be the worst earthquake disaster to hit Nepal in the last 80 years. Nepal is one of Asia’s poorest countries and cannot reconstruct without international aid.

OCCC wants to provide hope and financial security in the aftermath of this earthquake, so that the OCCC students from Nepal can focus on helping their families while not detracting from their educational goals.

“We never want any kind of barrier to keep our students from success. As soon as we heard of the disaster and students contacted us, the foundation went into action and started a fundraiser,” Harrison said.

Funds raised by the OCCC Foundation will help pay for items such as tuition, fees and books.

To donate, visit /nepal, call Harrison at (405) 682-7591 or email a check to the OCCC Foundation at 7777 S. May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73159.