OSU Reaching Out to Virginia Tech Community

Tuesday, April 17th 2007, 8:55 pm

By: News On 6

The Oklahoma State community is reaching out to those affected by the Virginia Tech shooting. Students in Stillwater will spend the week making thousands of paper cranes, an international symbol of peace. They hope the cranes will be placed at memorials on the Virginia Tech campus. When the members of OSU's student government heard about the tragedy in Virginia, they wanted to do something, but they weren't sure what would help. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports after putting their heads together, they decided to send a symbol of peace, the crane.

"It's a way that we can show them that while we may be in another place in the country, we're thinking of them and praying for them," said OSU student body president Claire Carter.

The student government got the word out, and soon others were showing up, downloading instructions and going to work. The students intend to make several thousand cranes, some with well wishes on them, before shipping them to Virginia on Friday. Those who showed up Tuesday say it is a rewarding experience.

"Every little crane that I make, I get to send somewhere,â€ said OSU junior Jessica Reid. â€œThey're gonna appreciate what I do. It makes me feel really good."

"It feels good to make something that hopefully will bring comfort to so many who are facing a tragedy right now," said OSU junior Brandii Bennett.

OSU also hopes to enlist the help of other schools. The school has contacted every Big 12 institution, and some have pledged to pitch in. The students say it is a small gesture, but sending the cranes is the least they can do for those they feel connected to through tragedy.

"Going to class, eating their lunch, sleeping in the dorms, they do the same things we do every day,â€ said Carter. â€œThey were living their lives just as we were living our lives."

Anyone interested in making their own cranes can send them to OSU. The address is 040 Student Union, Stillwater, OK 74078.