St. Joseph's Students Raise Money For Boston

In the wake of the thousands of Americans near and far are showing their support for the city of Boston and for the victims of the attacks.

Students from St. Joseph's University are also showing their support with their own fundraiser, "Hawks For Boston." All proceeds will go towards The One Fund Boston. The One Fund Boston, Inc., was formed by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino to help the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15.

For Paul Manganella—a rising senior at Saint Joseph's University and a resident of Sandwich, MA—the Boston Marathon attacks hit straight home.

"I grew up around Boston, and absolutely love the city and it's people. My best friend is going to school back home for Emergency Management, a major that was created post 9/11 to deal with terrorist attacks, and many graduates of his major were first responders in the attacks. He has interned with Boston State Police, and is trying to become a state trooper," said Manganella over email.

It was only appropriate for Manganella to help his friends and neighbors in Boston in his own way.

"Everyone knows everyone in that area, so it had a massive ripple effect on the people of Massachusetts. I wanted to do what I could to help the city and people I love, which motivated me to start 'Hawks For Boston,'" said Manganella.

According to Manganella, their original goal was to raise $700 in three weeks.

"We don't have much time left in school, so I didn't want to set the bar to high. However, in the past day we have raised almost $600, so now we are just going to be as proactive as we can and see how much we can raise," siad Manganella. "All the money donated will be going to the One Fund which was set up to benefit the victims of these attacks specifically."

As of Monday, April 22, $701 has been raised by 22 people in the past five days since the fundraiser has been created.

You can help contribute to The One Fund Boston through the Hawks For Boston donation portal here.