Volunteers are out in the cold this week to support victims of sexual
assault and domestic violence.

Kesseler Hall Council is sponsoring a “box sit” in front of the
Bovee University Center this week. Volunteers from Kesseler, Campbell
and Kulhavi halls are collecting donations for Sexual Assault Peer
Advocates, which provides assistance to victims of sexual assault.

“We’re planning to have people at the box 24 hours a day until
Friday,” said Mikhael Blackwell, Kingston sophomore and Kesseler Hall
Council president.

Blackwell said people who want to help can sign up for two-hour
shifts at either the Kesseler Hall front desk or the box outside of the
BUC.

Blackwell said the purpose of the box sit is to take donations and
make students aware of SAPA and what the organization does.

Bill Freas, Wyoming senior and box sit volunteer, said the group is
doing well even though many other charities are seeking donations this
time of year.

Letitia Costilla, Kesseler Hall director, said students can call the
confidential crisis hotline at 774-2255 for assistance at any time.

“SAPA is a group of students that have undergone extensive training
so they can help victims of harassment, stalking, domestic violence and
rape,” Costilla said.

SAPA also provides students with rape kits. Funding for the kits is
one of the big reasons for the fund-raiser.

“SAPA needs money to provide this service to students,” she said.
“They normally cost around $200 and are needed to collect and test
evidence in sexual assault cases.”

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