SUBMISSION DATE: MARCH 2006

VOLUNTEER: Jason Maruso

NOTES: During the week of the 12th we had several volunteers come into New Orleans to gut homes on their Spring Breaks. Since we were short on housing, the Sheraton Hotel generously donated 10 doubles for our volunteers.

Each evening we had a meeting to discuss our day and to answer any questions volunteers had. It was during one of those meetings that Jason Maruso and other volunteers shared their thoughts with us.

.....Today we gutted a home - my group of 5 and others staying at the Sheraton. The work was very hard and also more dangerous than one might think. Despite the risk and exposure, this trip means everything to me.

I want to make a difference no matter what it takes.

Jason Maruso
College of NJ