Mission to Texas City

Thirteen volunteers will work November 15-21, 2009. Click here to see photos of the thirteen and brief statements by them.

Hurricane Ike – The Forgotten Storm

Most people have forgotten about Hurricane Ike. It was that storm that came ashore during the 2008 elections, missed New Orleans and was downgraded to a category 2. For the most part, news coverage and the public moved on to other things.

But it is vividly remembered by the people still striving to recover. Hurricane Ike, a storm the size of Texas and the third most destructive hurricane to hit the United States, devastated southeast Texas with a storm surge up to 20 feet.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is appealing for others to remember Hurricane Ike and this November 15-21, 2009, a group of thirteen will head to Texas City, Texas to help with the ongoing rebuilding efforts. Each of the volunteers has their own reasons for making this personal commitment, which they have tried to capture in a few sentences. Click here to see the statements, with photos. We are pleased to welcome three former members of West Presbyterian Church who responded to an invitation to join us. Joining other groups at a Volunteer Village, we will provide a week of labor to help repair the extensive damage cause by Ike. What we lack in skill, we more than make up for in enthusiasm!

Our commitment is a spiritual one – and a financial one. The estimated cost for this week of service is $500 per person. Each of the “Texas City 13” has invested an initial $100, and we are grateful for the gift of $50 per person from New Castle Presbytery. We are committed to this mission, and we hope we might once again count on very real help from our congregation.

We ask that you consider making a donation today by clicking the "Donate" button above.

You might base your gift on the following:

An “Undo the Damage” gift of $20 – Ike caused nearly $20 billion in damages; your gift will help us undo it!
An “It takes a Village” gift of $40 - $1 for each volunteer housed at the Volunteer Village in Texas City!
A “Going in Spirit” gift of $100 – matching the Texas City 13’s initial investment with your own!

We’re so grateful for the support of a congregation that sent the RHINO 15 to New Orleans, and trust that, once again, you will help us help others in need – joining us in this act of faith and compassion.