| |
This
student-run program is designed to match volunteers with service
opportunities in the Hays area. Sponsored by the Student Government
Association, the Center for Civic Leadership, and the Office
of Student Affairs, Tigers in Service is a clearinghouse for
students with a desire to participate in community service
activities. |
December, 2006: Gulfport, MS - Hurricane Recovery Trip
On Saturday, December 16, 23 Fort Hays volunteers set off for Gulfport, MS to continue aiding in hurricane recovery efforts. While the Alternative Winter Break trip in January of 2006 involved “cutting and gutting” homes in New Orleans, this effort mostly consisted of actual rebuilding, much like the Alternative Spring Break trip to Port Arthur, TX in March 2006. The group of volunteers made the 23 hour long trip in two days, staying at the Community Christian Church in Richardson, TX along the way. While in Gulfport, the group stayed in a local church that houses one of the Disciples Home Mission Stations. Volunteers arrived back in Hays on Saturday, December 23. |
|
|
Through Disciples Home Missions, Tigers In Service volunteers split up into two teams, and over a period of four days were able to completely tear off and roof one house, and sheetrock the inside of another house. Even though the trip took place nearly a year and a half after Hurricane Katrina hit, there was still an overabundance of damage and work to be completed for people in need. |
Reflections: Volunteers' Firsthand Accounts
"You never understand what kind of pain the people on the gulf went through from both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and are still going through until you see it firsthand. Going on both of the Port Arthur, TX and Gulfport, MS trips really opened up my eyes to their needs and opened up my heart to everyone down there. If I could, I would stay down there and help rebuild lives and give them hope as much as possible. I urge everyone to volunteer their time at some point of their lives and to help other people in this country, especially down on the gulf in this time of need."
Megan Augustine, Colby KS Senior
|
"My trip to the gulf coast introduced me to a new perspective on what kind of destruction took place. Seeing the looks on the people’s faces that we helped is something I will never forget."
Weston Moody-Senior Salina, KS
|
"I thought going down there, people who had their lives destroyed would have lost hope, but they aren't losing hope. They all have hope that someday it will all be back to the way it used to be."
Kelsey Colglazier, Larned, KS Freshman
|
"I guess from this last trip, the main thing I learned was by doing these trips you’re not only doing good things, but you learn a lot about yourself and others on the trip."
Austin Cutright, Hays, KS Senior |
"This was my 3rd Alternative Break and each one has taught me that we can give hope to a place where hope was lost. Our groups come together, and we grow."
Sherri Johnson, Ellis, KS Junior |
"Going to Gulfport, MS was the most amazing experience of my life. It was incredible to see the damage and destruction throughout Louisianna and Mississippi. It was so hard to comprehend what the vicitms of Hurricane Katrina went through. Being able to help Shannan and Mark rebuild not only their home, but their lives, was an indescribible feeling. I learned so much on the trip and came away with some amazing new friends. I wish everyone could know and understand what it feels like to be able to help someone the way we did. I will never forget the volunteers, the experience, and the people we helped."
Brandi Gallagher, Concordia, KS Junior
|
|
