Second trip to aid in Hurrican Katrina relief was a success.
By: Emily Holody
After a successful and meaningful first trip one year ago, 20 local Boy Scouts and Venturers returned to D’Iberville, Mississippi to help rebuild homes devastated by Katrina.
Boy Scout Troop 10 was joined by several Venturers a Scout program for men and women who are 14 to 20 and six chaperones who then spent the first week of April in D’Iberville. The group joined the D’Iberville Volunteer Foundation in the rebuilding process.
"We were very successful," said police Lt. Scott Williams, who organized and chaperoned the trip. "We worked on one home, cleaned up the yard, planted new plants for a woman while another group was working inside the home."
The group also painted houses.
Lt. Williams said locals received the group very well.
"The people are upbeat. They’re seeing things getting done, they’re seeing rebuilding. They’re getting back into their homes slowly. They’re very thankful."
When Katrina ravaged parts of Louisiana and Mississippi in 2005, the South Brunswick Rallies for Relief was formed. Residents donated money to the cause, which was set up to help strictly D’Iberville. Over $25,000 was raised, but after sending foodstuffs to the affected area, there no longer remained an avenue to spend the money.
Lt. Williams approached the town and proposed taking Scouts to the area to help the rebuilding effort.
"I take the Scouts down, we do work for a week; it’s a partnership," said Lt. Williams.
After this trip the second he has organized the remainder of the money will go toward a wish list he brought back from the town.
Because of college commitments, not all those Scouts who went last time could go again. Those who returned for a second trip were surprised to see how much work had been done. Those who joined the initiative for the first time were surprised how much devastation there still is.
"It’s a slow heal," said Lt. Williams.
He said those who made the trip had a positive, fulfilling experience.
"They got a lot of rewards out of it and made some good friendships."
The group would like to go back to D’Iberville for a third time to aid in the relief. This time, however, the group will have to fundraise to get them down there.
For information on attending the next trip to D’Iberville, or to donate money to the cause, contact Lt. Williams at [email protected].