So, this was one of the greatest weeks of my life. The projects we ended up working on included: gutting houses, painting houses, cleaning up all sorts of junk and treasures that had washed up on a beach and rebuilding a crabbing pier. So many people stopped by our work sites just to say thank you, probably the most moving aspect of the trip for me.
I think it is also safe to say that the whole group had an amazing time together, and will continue to participate in "tikkun olam". Tikkun olam is one of the most important values in Judaism, and literally translates to "fixing the world". As a student-led group through the awesome Santa Barbara Hillel, our mission was to help fix Galveston, Texas and show the people there that, although we may live far away geographically, we are with them and we do care greatly. I am pretty confident that we were able to convey that message and that our mission was accomplished!
Student-Led Alternative Spring Break to Galveston, Texas!!!
the problem:
I started this school year on a warm, sunny day in Southern California. On Galveston Island, off the coast of Texas just 3 states away, there was no school to go to; it was in the process of being torn apart by one of the most destructive hurricanes to ever hit the USA, Hurricane Ike. The hurricane took the lives of hundreds, left thousands homeless, and caused $30 billion in damages.
vital stats:
people impacted:
10,000people involved:
15why it's important:
My friend Jenn and I are organizing a group of 15 students to fly over to Galveston this Spring Break and help with hurricane relief. The work will include gutting and building houses, caring for young children who lost parents and repairing endangered species' habitats.
the plan of action:
When we tell people here in Santa Barbara that we are going to Galveston, Texas for Spring Break, they always wonder what on earth would we want to go there for. We tell them that we are going to build houses and help with hurricane relief. Then, they ask what hurricane was there and when it happened. When I answer how recently Ike hit, they are shocked and consistently say, "You never hear about it on the news." They are right. We are bringing awareness to people on the other side of the country in hopes that they can contribute something to the suffering Galveston community. So far, we have recruited 15 people who have committed to flying to Texas and getting dirty in order to help Galveston.
how you can get involved:
There is plenty of room to help the thousands of people affected by Hurricane Ike. I encourage people to go over there, check it out for themselves and look into bringing their own group to do humanitarian work. People can also help by donating money and gifts that we can then pass on to the people, and especially children, of Galveston.
project updates:
Final Grant Update
Comments
Hi, My boyfriend and I are interested in being involved with this project and are wondering if yall could use some more help. We live in College Station Texas and looking to help over Spring Break. Anymore info you could give would be helpful. Please write back and let us know if we can help.