By Jennifer Reichert
Daily Bruin Contributor
In response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Associated
Students of UCLA is raising funds for the American Red Cross by
selling patriotic merchandise in Ackerman Union.
ASUCLA’s BearWear department started receiving shipments
on Sept. 19 of American flag pins, T-shirts with “God Bless
America, September 11, 2001″ written across the front, and
blue caps that read “United We Stand.”
“A lot of companies have done things to show their
support, so this is ASUCLA’s way of showing their
support,” said BearWear supervisor Bob Henson.
The association has sold 63 shirts and raised approximately
$750, according to Rich Delia, ASUCLA’s chief financial
officer.
“We sold 80 percent of what we bought, so that’s
pretty good,” Delia said.
The small American flag pins sold out first and have been a
consistent best-seller, said Patrick Healey, director of apparel
and accessories for the UCLA store.
Danny Wilson, a fifth-year American literature and culture
student, picked up two American flag pins to display on his
backpack.
“It helps to ease the pain when you look around and see
other people (with flags),” said Wilson, whose grandfather
died when the World Trade Center collapsed.
“You see that other people are thinking about the same
things,” Wilson said.
According to Delia, the association recently received a new
shipment of merchandise.
Healey said the association will evaluate sales at the end of
this month and decide whether to continue selling the
merchandise.
Nicole Dotts, a fifth-year environmental studies student, said
it is a good idea for ASUCLA to get the college generation involved
because many regard students as less patriotic.
“It’s a positive way to encourage our generation to
participate during this patriotic time,” he said.