Relief Trips

2023 Update: Our trip summaries and photos migrated to our Facebook page over the years, but we just can't let this page go. Here you'll find a log of the earliest trips with links to many blog posts and photos (sorry if you find a broken link or two). So many wonderful memories! Please consider volunteering with us on a future trip - it really is a life changing experience!

BonaResponds usually take trips on spring, summer, fall, winter breaks... Read about our trips from the beginning on the timeline page.... it has several cool features including a map showing where we've been! Interested in going on our next trip? Stay tuned to Twitter and blog updates -- we are monitoring current events to help plan our next trip. Can't go with us? See how you can help locally or even at home on our Get Involved page. Be sure to sign up on our email list too.

Trip Log

Click on a location name to read more about a trip.
Click on the camera to the right to see pictures of the trip.

Date	Location
January 2012	Dora, Alabama
October 2011	Athens, PA
September 2011	Margaretville, NY
June 2011	Springfield, MA
May 2011	Tuscaloosa, AL
April 2011	Camden, NJ
March 2011	Greenville, SC
October 2010	Camden, NJ
June 2010	Millbury, Ohio
January 2010	Atlanta, GA & Greenville, SC
March 2009	Galveston, TX
January 2009	Bridge City, TX
October 2008	Cedar Rapids, IA
July 2008	Cedar Rapids, IA
May 2008	Newton County, MO
March 2008	Pearlington & Pass Christian, MS
March 2008	Gassville, AR
January 2008	Pass Christian MS
October 2007	Bucyrus, OH
March 2007	Enterprise, AL
March 2007	Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis, Poplarsville, MS
January 2007	Pass Christian, MS
Oct-Dec 2006	Buffalo, NY
July 2006	Biloxi & Bay St. Louis, MS
March 2006	New Orleans, LA	and
	Bay St. Louis, MS
	Long Beach, MS
	Biloxi, MS
	St. Bernard's Parish, LA
October 2005	Biloxi, MS

Preparing for a Trip

Below are the forms needed for service trips with BonaResponds. "What to Bring" gives you an idea of what typical trips require... but be sure to check out the blog and emails specific to your trip when packing.

BonaResponds Videos

Jim's & Laura's Speeches
Francis Day - October 4, 2008

Hurricane Katrina Relief Trip
Spring Break - March 2008

BonaResponds Documentary
Jessica Bantle - 2007

Galveston Recap

From the BV: "BonaResponds spent Feb. 27 to March 7 cleaning two miles of road, hanging drywall, wrapping and insulating houses, rough wiring (doing preliminary electrical work before electricians come in) and gutting homes, which includes knocking water-damaged walls down in order to put new ones up. The group flew into Houston, stayed in a Galveston church and slept in sleeping bags or on cots."

Click on the picture for the Galveston Flickr set.

Bridge City Recap

From the blog: "We got over 10 homes done (I will get you a final count soon). We helped the spirits of many in town. We worked very hard at tiring and stressful work....The volunteers were incredibly hard working. One of the hardest working groups we have had from top to bottom. Everyone worked and everyone seemingly got along and had fun. We had a great time at Bonfires, on runs, and many even at Karaoke. We all felt a sense of accomplishment with a job well done; be it a pulled nail, or a completely gutted house, it is very satisfying to help others and know without a doubt they are better off now than they were before." Be sure to check out the Chicken Fried Song too.