A group of Emporia State students are going to Sour Lake, Texas during fall break, Oct. 10-15, to volunteer for hurricane relief efforts by helping a family. Garrett Tatro, sophomore elementary education major, is leading the trip and working with Annie Saenz, a volunteer.

Tatro decided to help after hearing from a friend about a family in need of help.

“We found out about this family and we learned that the house that they’re staying in is not ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant so their son, who is in a wheelchair, has lost all independence and they can’t take care of him properly in the temporary home,” said Saenz.

They hope to get insulation and drywall installed in the home to seal it. If they can complete this project, the family would be able to move from the temporary home back to the home the hurricane damaged.

“The only thing that would keep us from getting that done would be a lack of funds,” Saenz said. “We would have the manpower and ability, all we need is the funds to buy the supplies.”

Saenz is trying to get as many donations to help pay for the repairs as possible. They are accepting donations through PayPal at [email protected]. All funds go directly to the family they are trying to help.

“The only real cost (for the students) should be splitting the cost of gas to get down and back, and meals on the road,” Tatro said. “Everything else will be provided.”

The group will be staying at Strawbridge United Methodist Church in Kingwood, Texas, which is about an hour drive from Sour Lake. The church will be providing food and shelter for the volunteers.