Nine Abilene Christian University students, faculty, staff and alumni sacrificed their first week of winter break to help hurricane victims in the Texas Gulf Coast area. The team spent four days aiding families whose lives and homes were affected by Hurricane Ike.
The volunteers, led by Dr. Jim Cooke, professor of environmental science at ACU, worked in conjunction with the Clear Lake Church of Christ and the Hilltop Rescue and Relief in Houston, which provided the team with housing, food, worksites and supplies.
"The trip really put life into perspective," said Emily Garrison, AmeriCorps VISTA and staff member of the ACU Volunteer Service-Learning Center. "As many of us head home for the holiday the reality that some people don't have a home this holiday season is unsettling."
While in the Houston area, the team worked in six separate homes. Volunteers did everything from removing water damaged items to saving personal household keepsakes. Students also spent a great deal of time removing damaged dry wall and carpet leaving only the frame of the house, said Garrison.
This is the second trip to the coast for members of the ACU community. During fall break this year, 13 ACU volunteers traveled to Galveston to gut and clean out hurricane-torn houses. While several weekend service campaigns are planned each semester, these trips to the coast were added because of the great need, said Garrison.
"This trip is important because the people along the coast are in need, and God has blessed us with the opportunity to help them," said Garrison. "These trips have not only blessed the people our students have helped but have also helped the students grow in their own spiritual journey and understanding of what it means to be a Christian. During this time of year it makes us thankful for what we have and moves us to continue helping others."
The added winter break campaign trip is one of many planned by Garrison and others within ACU’s Volunteer Service-Learning Center. For more information about upcoming service events at ACU visit the VSLC website.
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