The Collegian

Issue date: 10/15/05 Section: News

"This was my first assignment," said Gurpreet Dhillon.

"I stayed at the River Center Shelter, which cared for about 6,000 victims," said Aron Kifle.

Dhillon and Kifle signed up with Red Cross to help for 10 days with the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"The best thing about going was the feeling I got. If I could have stayed longer I would have," said Kifle.

Dhillon said, "I learned more about myself. The people were lost and sincere. I gave emotional support; I stayed at Houma Shelter, where they housed about 1,300 victims."

According to Dhillon and Kifle, the local community helped with supplies, food, clothing, blankets and donations. Papa John's Pizza delivered 1,000 pizzas a day.

When asked about the worst thing they experienced while being in Louisiana Kifle responded, "families not knowing where their other family members are."

Dhillon replied, "The situation, it was emotionally hard."

"I saw at least one family reunited every day," said Kifle.

Dhillon witnessed a friend meeting up with another after 30 years. "I remember the look on their faces you could see the unification," he said.

Dhillon did not receive a warm welcome at first. "We were the first team there. When they saw I was a volunteer, then the welcome got warmer," he said. "I was trained for the first national disaster. I didn't know what to expect. The evacuees welcomed me from the first moment," said Kifle. "They made the best out of a bad situation."

"You never know where life leads. Respect and feel gratitude for what you have," said Dhillon.

Kifle and Dhillon thanked the Red Cross for getting them to Louisiana and the training, along with their Delta instructors, Scott Bender, Karen Falcone, and Richard Fizell.

Kifle also thanked the Hebron Baptist Church for supplying him with food, shelter, and clean clothes.

Dhillon also thanked First Baptist Church for food, shelter, clean clothes, and blankets.

"If anyone has time please go to www.redcross.com and volunteer," said Dhillon. "They need volunteers, donations, pillows, blankets, supplies, and more."

"Helping people is the greatest feeling," said Dhillon.

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