Brandeis students are ensuring that tsunami relief efforts aren't just left to the professionals.A month after the tsunami's initial impact in South Asia, students say they are making progress with their own aid projects.

Hillel, the Intercultural Center, Waltham Group and BTV:65 held a fund-raiser several weeks ago that raised $217.

Edgar Ndjatou '06, who planned the fundraiser with Jacob Kim '06, said the process is collaborative and ongoing, bringing in as many campus groups as possible.

"We contacted several organizations on campus and we had tables set up in the atrium and we had people donate and sign up," Ndjatou said.

Kim, who is also part of a committee of graduate students, undergraduate students and Residence Life staff said that though the financial support of the community will ensure some degree of fiscal security for the region, the real issue lies in long-term recovery.

"The committee ... is planning events semester-long because we want to continue to give to the victims throughout their recovery," Kim said. "Also, we want to reach out to neighbors, whether it is at Brandeis or back home, to make sure they are not personally affected by the tragedy."

The Poker Club, which in the past has donated portions of its proceeds to charities, dedicated its January tournament to the relief effort.

The tournament, which was co-sponsored by the South Asian Student Association, was held on Jan. 27 in Levin Ballroom and raised $150.

Some students chose to pursue philanthropic endeavors on their own.

Kranthi Palreddy '06 set up donation drop boxes around campus. She is also actively campaigning for students to donate to relief organizations.

"I have been researching different grassroots organizations that we could send aid to simply because the airports are completely blocked off now," Palreddy said.