The Inter-Residence Hall Association wrapped up the year with a bill to send aid to the victims and families of the Columbine High School massacre in Littleton, Colo.

After some debate, IRHA passed the bill with a vote of 16-2-4 at its Thursday meeting. IRHA will donate $2,500 from money acquired through fund raising in the name of Iowa State residence hall students to United Way’s Healing Fund organization.

Last week, 13 people were killed at the Colorado school after two students stormed the school with guns and bombs in a suicide mission.

“We hope we never know exactly how the people in Columbine feel,” said Jessica Plagman, Union Drive Association finance director and junior in finance. “But we’re hoping by this donation we show them that we care and the whole nation is affected in a way.”

Denver’s Mile High United Way has contributed $10,000 to establish the fund to help support the shooting victims and their families.

Media agencies in the Denver area have pledged to match 50 cents for every dollar donated to this fund.

The original IRHA bill was to donate $1,000, but the amount was amended to $2,500 after several members expressed strong personal feelings on the issue during debate.

Matt Craft, Richardson Court Association president and Government of the Student Body president, said IRHA should put more attention into charity in the future.

“We need to do more along these lines,” said Craft, junior in political science. “This is something that will show them IRHA is doing something and representing residents at Iowa State.”

However, there was some opposition to the bill.

Scott Meyers, UDA president and senior in computer engineering, said he was unsure how the donation could benefit the residence halls.

Eric Anderson, Towers Residence Association president, said he hopes IRHA’s initiative will encourage other students to help the cause.

“I hope it sets a precedent and makes [students] feel like they want to donate themselves,” said Anderson, senior in computer engineering.

Personal donations can be made to: The Healing Fund, P.O. Box 46531, Denver, Colo. 80201.