With $12,000 already raised for relief efforts in Haiti, students with Hokies United are just getting started.

In a news release Monday, the group members said they are determined to generate post-earthquake donations, start a public-education campaign, and begin coordinating relief trips to Haiti.

"That's the beautiful thing -- everyone's focused on how we can help Haiti," said Brandon Carroll, president of Virginia Tech's Student Government Association and point person for the relief effort.

Donation jars have been placed for a week on campus in the Squires Student Center and in downtown Blacksburg businesses.

Additional fundraising ideas in the works include T-shirt sales, a 5K run and potluck dinners.

"Different clubs can feel free to sponsor events," Carroll said.

Here are upcoming events, with all proceeds going to the Hokies United effort:

n Hokies for Haiti Salsa Night: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday, Abella Cafe, 204 Draper Road, Blacksburg. Sponsored by SalsaTech, the salsa club at Virginia Tech, the event's admission charges are $2 and $3 (members and nonmembers).

n Mardi Gras for Haiti Ball: 7 p.m. Feb. 6, University Club, 100 Otey St., Virginia Tech. Sponsored by Coalition for Justice, the event has a $10 admission, which includes food and Cajun music by Billy Coteau.

Carroll said the group hopes to use a public education effort to spread information and coordinate trips by students and staff members in order to make a long-lasting impact.

"We want to make sure that we figure out what we can do for the long haul, not just while the media are there," Carroll said.

-- The Roanoke Times