The American Red Cross Club of NIU is a new organization that started over the summer.

Stephanie Bong, junior sociology major and vice president for the club, said the organization focuses on three parts: Spending time and working with veterans, educating children about safety mainly focusing on fire prevention and working on different programs that will provide aid to natural disaster victims.

Bong said the club already raised money at a football game for the Natural American Red Cross Organization to send to Texas. She added the donations provided aid to whoever needed it.

“Right now we are collecting donations of used or new toys that we can send to children in shelters in Texas who lost everything,” she said.

Amanda Hrynewycz, junior physical therapy major and member of the club, said the organization wants to help everyone.

“They are reaching out to the DeKalb community, Sycamore and NIU,” Hrynewcycz said. “The club wants to reach out to the kids of the communities also and teach them helpful hints.”

Bong hopes members of the club learn how different people live, and how easy it is to help those in need.

“From spending an hour to listen to everything that they went through or collecting toys to give to kids in need,” she said.

Brad Kaskavage, freshman finance major, said clubs that participate in community service such as The American Red Cross Club are helpful for the community.

“It’s always good to give,” he said.