10/01/15 rr
Hays, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University students and members of the regional community are invited to join in the quest to end the global water crisis by coming to the Thirst Project on Thursday, Oct. 8.

A public presentation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom. The first 20 people will receive water bottles, and prizes such as portable chargers and a selfie-stick will be awarded.

The Thirst Project is a non-profit that builds wells in underdeveloped countries and teaches the communities how to maintain them. The project has built wells in 13 countries and is currently trying to meet the goal of providing clean water to 100 percent of Swaziland, which is currently at 74.1 percent.

The non-profit was founded in 2008 by a group of college students who believed that by informing and engaging students they could build a socially conscious generation. The team contacted Follett Corporation, a company that has about 1,200 campus bookstores, to speak at a few of the campuses they serve. Follett chose FHSU as one of the destinations.

Alysa Ojeda, marketing analyst at Follett, said that the company picked campuses that are empowered by strong student groups and are interested in trying new things.

"It's a very relatable organization for people looking to make their college experience meaningful," said Ojeda. "You don't need a lot of money or resources for this organization, and it's a young team. They were college students six years ago, so they know how to make it fun."

Two teams will present to on- and off-campus groups:
• 7 a.m., Rotary Club.
• 9 a.m., Freshman Seminar, Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.
• Noon, Kiwanis Club.
• Noon, Freshman Seminar, Beach/Schmidt.

The Thirst Project will also interact with students all day on the Quad by offering handouts and games such as testing how far people can carry jerry cans full of water, which weigh 44 pounds. People who live in areas without wells carry jerry cans for miles to collect water.

For more information, visit www.thirstproject.org.