Three dozen students and six sponsors from Newbury Park Adventist Academy (NPAA) decided to prepare for Thanksgiving by helping some residents in De Soto County, Fla., in the aftermath of the devastating hurricane season. “This was a wonderful opportunity for us to go somewhere that really needed our help — and it was in the U.S.A. for a change," said Neil Richmund, NPAA chaplain and trip coordinator.
“We focus so much on needs outside this country and forget the needs we have right on our doorstep. It’s great to see how, when we spend just a little time doing something for someone else, we seem to develop an instant relationship with them. They are no longer people who were hit by a hurricane, but friends whom we want to do nothing more than help them get back on their feet again.”
The group was based in Avon Park, Fla., and looked after by the Walker Memorial church and junior academy, helping 18 families whose names were obtained from a county list or from the local pastor’s list of Adventists needing help.
“Residents were astounded at how much we were able to accomplish in the time we were there,” said Richmund. “We spent from one hour to as much as two days in the homes. One man was so impressed with our group that he threw a barbecue for our entire group as a thank you. Another lady had helped others who were hit hard by the hurricane and allowed them to store stuff in her house.
“As a result, her house was a disaster, with stuff everywhere. Our group helped her sort, clean and organize the things for the people. They also helped drywall a room for her and fix her porch screen, along with some painting,” he added.
“It was really cool to help people in our own country and actually be able to talk to the people (unlike in a country where the people did not speak English), and especially for them to be able to express their gratitude to us,” said Neena Capolupo, an NPAA senior.
“We will never forget the impact these people had on our lives. Ironically, we thought we would be having a greater impact on their lives,” reflected Richmund.
