A couple of local efforts are underway to help provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake in Nepal.
SIU Carbondale's Nepalese Student Society has started a go-fund-me effort to raise relief funds that will be channeled through the Red Cross, the United Nations and Rotary International.
Student Sandip Dahal says it's been difficult to reach family members because they are scared to go inside buildings for fear they may collapse. He says living conditions right now are difficult.
Dahal says cell phones have helped them to stay in touch with loved ones in Nepal.
Verizon is providing its customers free long distance and text messages to Nepal. It is also waiving those same fees for calls and text messages originating from Nepal to their customers in the U-S.
Meanwhile Nepalese students at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau will host a fund raising dinner on Thursday. The meal will feature traditional foods. It will be held at Centenary Church from 6p to 8pm on Thursday.
