Students Give Relief to New Orleans

LWC students and staff members work on a house during their December relief trip
to New Orleans.

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- A group of Lindsey Wilson College students left the Big Easy a little better than they found it after taking part in a service trip last month. The service trip -- held Dec. 12-23 -- was the fourth one to New Orleans that Lindsey Wilson students have taken since Hurricane Katrina caused massive damage to the city in 2005.

LWC resident hall director Cameron Mueller, who led the 25 students, said he feels great about LWC's sustained efforts to aid the city.
 
"Every trip is extremely rewarding and this one was no different," Mueller said. "We rebuilt homes, and the homeowners are so appreciative of what we do while we are there. Without the help of service groups a lot of these homes still wouldn't be back in shape." 
 
Mueller says those affected by the hurricane's devastation aren't the only ones rewarded by the service trips.
 
"There were only a few students who had ever been to New Orleans, let alone rebuild houses there," he said. "I think many of them experienced a true sense of gratification."
 
Hallie McCray, a graduate student of Columbia, Ky., enjoyed the trip more than anything else she's done at the college.

"Going on this trip has been the highlight of my time at LWC thus far," McCray said. "It was the first time I got to work alongside the students for a common cause. Volunteer service work is unique in how it brings people together."

Mueller said that he and future LWC students will gladly continue to make the trips as long as New Orleans needs help.

"As long as I can find money from sponsors and grants I will do it again," he said. "I love doing the trip and want to share my experience with as many people as I can."

More ...
Click here to learn about how to help out the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.