Seven West Virginia University students will travel to New York City next month to help the families of the victims of Sept. 11.

The studentsall rehabilitation counseling majorsare members of WVU s newly formed chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association. They will assist the Salvation Army in helping victimsfamilies file insurance papers necessary in receiving claims.

“When we called the Salvation Army, they were thrilled that we are rehab counselors,”said student Rebecca Berger of Morgantown, the local National Rehabilitation Association treasurer.”Weve been wanting to help in some way, and this is a great opportunity.”

Joining Berger will be Casey Conaway of Fairview, Kellie McMillen of Morgantown, Alan Petino of Wheeling, Crystal Tennant of Barrackville, Sarah Travis of Grafton and Damien White of Elkins.

The students are now trying to raise the estimated $2,400 needed to make the five-day trip Dec. 16-21.

On Nov. 17, the groupusing the local Salvation Armys kitchenmade pumpkin pies and sold them, earning $600.

“We decided to bake pumpkin pies because you dont have to peel any apples and its close to Thanksgiving,”Berger said. Several local businesses donated ingredients to make the pies.

The students have written to other area merchants seeking donations as well. Two other fund-raisers are in the works, including a silent auction and a 50-50 raffle, Berger said.

Staff and faculty have donated more than $300, she added.

The van the group will use to travel to New York is being donated by WVU ’s College of Human Resources and Education. The group needed a large van to deliver 100 boxes of supplies that the local Salvation Army collected. Berger described the donations as”a real community effort.”

To make a donation, send it to 504 Allen Hall or P.O. Box 6122, Morgantown, WV 26506 . Make checks payable to the National Rehabilitation Association. For more information, contact Berger at 304-293-3807, ext. 1208.