Liberty University pledges $1 million match for hurricane relief efforts

In a heartfelt appearance on ABC News on Wednesday afternoon, President Dr. Dondi E. Costin announced that Liberty University will match up to $1 million in donations for hurricane disaster relief efforts.

Costin was interviewed along with senior Caleb Pallekonda about Liberty’s hurricane relief efforts. Pallekonda will travel with a team to Perry, Fla., (Oct. 20-26). Liberty is also sending teams to Boone, N.C., (Oct. 13-19) and Valdosta, Ga., (Oct. 20-26). Before Liberty’s trip to Georgia, the university is sending a trailer with 22 pallets of bottled water to Anchor Faith Church, where it will be distributed to those in the surrounding community.

These trips, sponsored by the LU Serve Now program in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Blessing, will prioritize assisting homeowners with debris cleanup, mud outs, and roof tarping, as well as meeting spiritual and emotional needs.

The announcement of the matching donation comes as Florida braces for Hurricane Milton. Donations to the Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund will go entirely toward relief efforts, whether for much-needed supplies or mobilizing disaster response teams.

“We do this because our university’s mission is to Train Champions for Christ,” Costin said in the interview. “We want students to understand that the best way to live is to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need help.”

“We like to think about serving with our hearts as well as our hands,” Pallekonda said. “I’m really grateful for the ability and privilege to be at Liberty University where I can be equipped to go and carry out that servant-heartedness.”

Liberty has a longstanding reputation for community service, consistently partnering with humanitarian aid organizations during times of need. Past projects include assisting Ukrainian refugees in Romania, helping those affected by flooding in Kentucky, and cleaning up debris left behind by the devastating Hurricane Idalia that struck North Florida last year.

“This is our opportunity to show the world that Jesus Christ loves them with an everlasting love,” Costin said. “We get to meet physical needs and emotional needs and spiritual needs as opportunities arise.”

Those interested in making donations can contribute funds through Liberty’s online giving portal.