My name is Marilyn and I am a senior at Columbia University double-majoring in Economics and Psychology. Last night, a man stole my backpack. This included my laptop, iPad, notes for the entire semester, textbooks, and cash. We are now heading into finals - I have exams and papers due. Furthermore, I had just bought this laptop last spring with money I saved by working jobs on the side.

I'm asking for $1,500 to buy a small, no-frills laptop and to replace my textbooks, which were rented. Since I won't be able to return them, I will have to, in essence, "buy" them now. Any help you may be able to provide would be much appreciated. Thank you.