Students removing a fallen tree and other flooding debris from the parsonage for Chokoloskee Church of God
Students grouting new tile floor for sanctuary of Fountain of Grace Church, Haitian church in Immokalee
Students painting the sanctuary of Fountain of Grace Church
Students tear out moldy sheetrock and electrical in the kitchen of the Fountain of Grace Church
Over fall break, Lee University students and faculty served in Florida and Texas where they provided disaster relief to hurricane victims.
In south Florida, a group of 21 students and four staff members from Lee University contributed to disaster relief efforts following the widespread impact of Hurricane Irma on Sept. 4.
Organized by the university’s Leonard Center and serving alongside partnering organization “Men and Women of Action,” the student group was led by Amy Hunley from Student Development; D’Metri Mattocks, a resident director; Daniel Murch from the Leonard Center; and Dr. David Quagliana, director of the counseling center and assistant professor of counseling.
“It’s not just that they sacrificed their fall break vacations, it’s that they sacrificed to provide care to others in need,” said Dr. Quagliana. “They were so eager to help. When there wasn’t enough designated work to keep the large group of volunteers busy, they proactively identified opportunities to serve.”
The Lee team spent five days in the region in various forms of service. Students cleared trees and yard debris, sorted and delivered 2,400 pounds of food donations, laid floor tile, engaged in building interior painting and demolition work, performed yardwork, donated blood, and assisted with other additional recovery tasks as well.
The group stayed at and provided service to Broadway Community Church (COG) in Fort Myers, Florida, receiving meals from this church and sleeping on its gymnasium floor. They also assisted with church and communities at other Church of God denomination churches throughout south Florida including Fountain of Grace Haitian Church in Immokalee, Oasis Naples Church in Naples, and Chokoloskee Church of God in Chokoloskee.
In addition to the Florida team, another group of 20 students went to Texas to serve.
Led by Knox Bloodworth, a senior theology major, the group went to Houston, Texas, where they served with Campus Crusade (CRU) in partnership with 8 Days of Hope, a disaster relief ministry.
The group served in various capacities. Over the five-day trip, they gutted four houses that had severe water damage and handed out water.
“It was a great experience to impact the community in South Houston,” said Mr. Bloodworth. “We not only got to impact them physically, but also spiritually by praying with people and sharing the Gospel.”
The group stayed at New Hope Church in South Houston.
For more information about Lee’s Leonard Center, contact service@leeuniversity.edu.