Students plan relief trip to New Orleans

By Staff reports

Posted May 19, 2011 @ 02:50 PM

Hinsdale, IL —

Mindful of own good fortune, students worry people have forgotten about Katrina.

As the world continues to face devastating natural disasters, from the Japan tsunami to flooding in several southern U.S. states, it may be easy to forget the people of New Orleans who are still suffering from the hurricane that struck more than six years ago.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has scaled back its relief efforts in the area, but several Hinsdale Central students are stepping forward.

“People (in New Orleans) feel like no one in the country cares about them,” said Sara Klepacki, a Hinsdale Central junior. “I want to show them that people care.”

Klepacki is just one student who will participate in a trip to New Orleans in late July to help rebuild a church and homes that have yet to be repaired since the disaster. Last Saturday, the group held a car wash to help raise funds for the trip, which is organized by Christ Church of Oak Brook.

“Believe it or not, there's a lot of people who still haven't gotten back home,” said Dave Mahar, a pastor at the church and one of the leaders of its the high school program.

When Mahar toured the area in December to get a sense of the conditions, he said he was shocked by the number of ruins that still existed.

“It feels like everyone has turned their backs (on New Orleans),” Mahar said.

Many homes were still spray-painted with an “X”, a sign that indicated the buildings were searched for bodies in 2005. Other homes remained gutted with just studs in the wall, he said.

“They were completely decimated and decayed,” Mahar said. “These homes are on every street.”

In addition to making some much-needed repairs as part of the trip, the students will endure conditions all- too-common in New Orleans.

Instead of staying at a hotel or other comfortable accommodations, students will live in train cars currently being utilized by Trinity Lutheran Church in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans.

“I'm not claustrophobic, so hopefully I'll be OK,” Klepacki joked.

While the conditions may be uncomfortable, Klepacki sees the living situation as a good thing.

“It adds to the experience,” she said. “I like to challenge myself.”

“It's going to be a brand new experience for all of us,” said Drew Zickert, a Hinsdale Central junior. “I think we will enjoy it.”

After the hurricane immersed Trinity Lutheran Church under 20 feet of water in 2005, many of its staff left, but those who stayed behind began their own relief effort to restore homes in the New Orleans area. Because of their efforts, however, their own church remains neglected.

This year, the Hinsdale students hope to change that.

For Klepacki, who’s already attended three other trips, the visit to New Orleans may be the most physically challenging, she said.

For one, the trip is in July, one of the hottest months in the south.

“I'm definitely going to be cutting the sleeves off of some T-shirts,” Klepacki said Zickert agreed.

“I think it’s going to be a lot more challenging,” he said. “I'll learn never to take anything for granted.”

Despite the challenges, Klepacki also hopes she'll grow from the trip. As part of an affluent community, Klepacki said many people need a wake up call.

“It's a great way to live, but it’s not the reality for many people,” she said.

Each student will raise $1,150 toward supplies and airfare.

Although Mahar said he’s unsure what the students will be able to accomplish, there will be other groups from the area traveling to New Orleans to continue the efforts.

“The story isn't over down there at all,” he said.

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