Longtime Kansas University faculty member Harry Shaffer has set up a fund to aid a local carjacking victim.

Shaffer, professor emeritus of economics, said he was moved by a recent Lawrence Journal-World story about Barbara Williams. The 57-year-old Lawrence resident was one of the victims of a Jan. 31 crime spree that included two stolen vehicles and at least four vehicles smashed during a high-speed chase.

Williams, whose 1999 Plymouth Voyager was stolen, had told the Journal-World she is on a fixed income, has only liability insurance and is unsure how she will fix her vehicle.

Shaffer said he started a fund to raise money for a new car for Williams. He started the fund with $50 and is hoping a car dealership might offer a vehicle for Williams at a reduced cost. Contributions to the fund can be sent to Shaffer at his home, 2510 Jasu Drive, Lawrence, KS 66046. Shaffer said checks should be clearly marked “for Barbara Williams.”

Shaffer has been teaching at KU for more than 51 years.