| Operation Helping HandsHurricane Katrina Relief |
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“It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty" - (Zechariah 4:6).
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Our Mission:
As our country struggles to respond to the human tragedy in the Gulf Coast region, we join with people of good will from all across the globe to do what we can to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. It has been since August of 2005 when Hurricane Katrina displaced millions of U.S. citizens and caused billions of dollars of damage throughout the Gulf Coast region. It is our purpose to assist the Operation Helping Hands in any way that we can, mainly in the offering of our prayers to our brothers and sisters in New Orleans and by periodically sending teams of volunteers to help with the clean-up and rebuiling of the region.
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| Trips to New Orleans: |
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NEXT TRIP: On May 16-22, 2010, Team #12 will be heading to New Orleans to continue the rebuilding efforts. For details and registration, click HERE.
We have been blessed by the generosity of our parish family and volunteers, enabling us to send 11 teams of volunteers thus far, to assist with the clean-up and rebuilding efforts.
Our 11th Vounteer Team spent a week rebuilding, this past May, 2009. The 19 men & women worked four different worksites, laying floors, sanding and painting and interior, and painting two exteriors.
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 Team #11 stands before the Helping Hands wall at the Raymond Center.
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Some Testimonies from the Team
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Jan, hard at work.
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What can I add to this wonderful experience and, in a way, a calling from God to reach out farther than we think we can. I went back to OHH for the personal satisfaction of helping those in need who, at times, seem to have been forgotten, and this experience was even better than the first.
The parish of Notre Dame is known for being so alive and all-encompassing, and that is not just in Cedar Knolls, but everywhere they have a presence.
The people we met in New Orleans were so grateful and loving, but I feel we were the ones who got so much more from them. For 19 people to come together, some as strangers, and live and work and pray and play together, was so impressive. I felt at all times that God was with us, and had brought us together for a very special purpose, which I think we achieved. I'm so grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity. Thanks, Notre Dame - You're the best!!!
Love, Jan (Miller)
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My forever thanks to opening this wonderful experience to out-of-towners. I find that this is such a rewarding time for me. I am able to help people in a tangible way, even if I don't get to meet the homeowner.
The group from ND Carmel are one of the most welcoming groups of people I have had the pleasure to meet. I travelled to New Orleans two years ago and was so touched by the spirits of your parisheners. At the time I went with my niece, Kristen. Because it was such a positive time, I encouraged my sister (Kristen's mom) and my other niece to join the team this year. It made quite an impact on them.
I realize how fortunate I am after seeing the devasation there. This year, we spackled and did interior painting. Though this is not my talent, I did manage to get enough paint on the walls and not myself to see a difference! At night, we shared good times, stories and food. One evening, I happened to strike up a conversation with a stranger while on line for the restroom. As we talked more, I found out that he is my next door neighbor's cousin. How's that for a small world?
Again, thank you for everything. You have a prize there in Nick and John - they organized perfectly.
Love, Aunt Janet (Dolan)
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Aunt Janet takes a break with her niece, Corrin.
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| About the Helping Hands Program: |
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In Operation Helping Hands, volunteer teams travel to New Orleans to assist in the rebuilding effort of the Hurricane Katrina devastation. Supported by Catholic Charities and the archdiocese of New Orleans, groups of 10-15 people spend a week in clearing out and cleaning home to prepare them for rebuilding. |
| Clean-up work has included removal of appliances and furniture, removal of damaged walls, ceilings and floors (if necessary), and spraying the home to sanitize against mold and bacteria. Most recently, much of the actual rebuilding phase has been undertaken. |
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Volunteer Testimonials:
NDMC parishioners reflect on their experiences as Red Cross volunteers in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina and on experiences in rebuilding New Orleans.
Tom MillerJane RyanBill SchaedelMaryAnn FisherNick RengaIvette Valori
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Volunteers are Still Needed!
Much work remains to be done. Please check back for future trip dates and consider joining one of our teams as they reach out to be the hands of Christ to our New Orleans brothers and sisters in need.
To volunteer, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a tetanus vaccine, and be free of breathing or asthma problems. The cost of air and ground transportation runs about $400.
Operation Helping Hands Volunteer Application formOperation Helping hands - Photo Release form |
| For further information on Operation Helping Hands, please contact our Parish office at 973-538-1358, ext. 105. |
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