Within hours, Hurricane Gustav transformed campus into a scene of destruction characterized by uprooted oak trees, downed power lines and wind-torn roofs. Although a cumbersome task, many religious student organizations on campus joined together to help in the recovery efforts.”Everybody pitched in tremendously,” said John Boudreaux, director of the Campus Crusade for Christ and chairman of the University Chaplains.The Chaplains is a group for campus religious organizations that helps reach students and develop their goals.During the storm and its aftermath, the Chaplains operated out of Johnston Hall. Boudreaux said he was a “contact person for disaster relief.” A religious group or individual would call him and ask where help was needed most. “The greatest need was at the PMAC,” Boudreaux said. The PMAC was converted to a medical shelter for hurricane evacuees Aug. 29, three days before Gustav made landfall.Many students from campus religious organizations volunteered at the PMAC. They talked with evacuees, served food and helped with medical tasks.”It is so rewarding to serve,” said Allison Hawkins, biology sophomore. “I got real joy out of it. It really surprised me.”Hawkins is a member of Reformed University Fellowship, a Presbyterian organization on campus, and started volunteering at the PMAC with other members of the fellowship Tuesday.Hawkins said meeting evacuees was the most memorable part of her volunteering experience.”A lot of times they give you life lessons and wisdom,” Hawkins said. “It’s really inspiring, as cheesy as that sounds.”Hawkins met a 53-year-old evacuee named Cassandra on Friday who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. Hawkins said she spent the day with Cassandra, providing a hand to hold when needed. The two talked about the future and how important it is to find a career that brings love and happiness — not just a big paycheck.”It makes me grateful,” Hawkins said. “I realize I take a lot for granted.”Hawkins said she plans to continue volunteering at the PMAC as long as evacuees are still there.Other University religious groups have also been referring their members to help at the PMAC.Haitham Solh, president of the Muslim Student Association, said some members volunteered at the PMAC while others gathered supplies for the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge and cleared debris from members’ homes.The Baptist Collegiate Ministry also played a large role in clearing tree limbs and other obstructions from roads and homes near the University. Armed with chainsaws and a tractor, a group of about 40 BCM members helped clear more than 40 homes of debris. The Louisiana Baptist Convention, local churches and BCM alumni donated the equipment after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  –—Contact Kyle Bove at [email protected]