WEST SUNBURY — A team of 24 area volunteers recently returned after a trip to Slidell, La., where they spent a week working with hurricane relief groups.

The team was formed after members of the West Sunbury United Presbyterian Church decided to take a hands-on role in hurricane relief.

Composed of volunteers from West Sunbury and other area churches, the group used donated and personal funds to finance the trip.

Once there, they were invited to stay at Pearl River United Methodist Church.

The group, ranging in age from 15 to 80, worked with Habitat for Humanity working on a project house, clearing out damaged drywall and flooring from an abandoned house and clearing lots for additional Habitat houses.

The group also helped area residents with clean up and tree removal.

Since returning on Nov. 6, the group has begun planning two subsequent trips to the region, one early next year and one during the summer.

"These folks came back fired up about mission and ministry," said the Rev. Wayne Bell, pastor at West Sunbury United Presbyterian Church and a member of the mission team.