NAPS Makes Trip to New York City

In response to the terrorist attacks in New York City, NAPS (the National Association for the Prevention of Starvation), based at Oakwood College, made a trip to New York to bring some comfort to people involved in the massive rescue operation and the many who were continuing a vigil for loved ones who had been in the World Trade Center and were missing. Naps members loaded into three vans and traveled to New York City, where the band formed a procession and marched around the lower Manhattan area playing and singing appropriate religious and patriotic musical numbers. Two members carried shovels and another carried a flag.

The response to these young people who had come at their own expense and on their own time to show solidarity with New Yorkers has been gratifying. Crowds gathered to listen to and interact with NAPS members. Tears were shed when the group visited places where grieving family members were awaiting news. Firemen and police saluted when NAPS members visited stations. Local news reported the event, including the New York Times and the National Review on its Web site. On their return some members were interviewed briefly during Channel 19's Scanner Scene. All reaction has been positive. Dr. Anthony Paul, national director of NAPS and chair of the OC Department of Biology, was presented a citation by Alabama state senator Tom Butler recognizing the positive example the organization is setting in the community. Most NAPS members are OC students.