Malhotra said that money is really what the Indian people need most at this time.
"Most people think it's a disaster, so supplies like medical aid and clothing should be sent," she said. "But my friend told me that there are piles of clothes in the streets that no one can use. They need money more than supplies."
Tabling for the fundraising drive will continue through Sunday, when the funds will be collected to be sent to Abhiyan. If responses are still strong at the end of the week, however, organization leaders have not ruled out the possibility of another week of tabling.
Meanwhile, India waits. Death toll rates range from 20,000 to 100,000, while countless others remain injured or homeless in the wake of the massive natural disaster. Infrastructure has been destroyed. And disease is spreading rapidly.
"Life has to be reconstructed," Malhotra said.
And fundraising efforts such as the Harvard student initiatives, campaign members say, are one way to slowly turn the situation around.
"This is a worthy and accessible cause," Wood said, "and it only takes a dollar."
--Staff Writer Kate L. Rakoczy can be reached at rakoczy@fas.harvard.edu.