"Katrina was the worst hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast." "New Orleans is gone." "Thousands upon thousands have lost their homes." These, among many other shocking phrases, have been used to describe the biggest news in the world the past couple of weeks. So much devastation has occurred, lives have been lost, and homes and businesses have been destroyed. National Guard units, Red Cross workers, and thousands of volunteers have been sent to aid as much as they can. Yes, we can send money and clothing or donate blood, but a group of a dozen volunteers from Southern Huntingdon County began to wonder what they could do on a more personal level.

The idea to travel to the Gulf area was quickly conceived and planned. Denny Hunsinger, Perry Grove, Norm Sipes, and Rodney and Cathy Painter would drive two trucks to the Gulf Coast. One truck would be towing a camper that was donated for a family who had lost a home. The other would be hauling a 20-foot enclosed trailer full of supplies and goods that were desperately needed.

When Rodney's daughter, Grace, and her friend and roommate at Juniata College, Beth Jenkins, heard about the project, they wondered what they could do to help. A campus-wide announcement concerning the trip was sent out asking for supplies that anyone could donate. Telephone calls were made to Huntingdon area businesses and churches requesting their help. Beth and Grace decided that, along with collecting donations, they should also make the trip.

With a tremendous amount of donations pouring in, they teamed up with the Rockhill Church of the Brethren that had also collected items to be delivered to the hurricane victims. Kenny Fish, Ted Benson, and Mike Holtzapple from that church would drive a third truck and trailer. Donations kept pouring in. Denny's son, Jake, and friend Elisha Feight, agreed to drive Jake's truck and haul yet another trailer.