Unexpected Helping Hand For Jeannette Neighbors Facing Flood CleanupBusload Of Teens Arrives To Help Clear Westmoreland Storm DamagePOSTED: 2:34 pm EDT June 25,
2009 JEANNETTE, Pa. -- An act of kindness brought smiles to the faces of flood victims in Westmoreland County facing a hefty cleanup after last week's devastating flash flooding.Out of the blue, a busload of teenagers showed up in Jeannette, ready to get their hands dirty.Channel 4 Action News' Amber Nicotra reported that it's not unusual on a hot summer day to find a playground packed with kids. But on Thursday, the teens swarming Jeannette were from all over the country, helping people they've never met.Video:
 Watch Amber's Report"It feels really good to know you're making a difference in someone's life," said Caroline Gorman of Lancaster.From digging dirt to picking up trash, to hauling and tossing out garbage, the group of close to 300 high school kids are on a mission to help people in Jeannette get back on their feet.The teens are part of Catholic Heart Work Camp and come from all over the United States."We just met this week. It's been a lot of fun. I think we've done some good," said Bob MacIntyre, one of the chaperones. "These are great kids every one of them. I'm so proud of them."Marjorie Metts would agree. The group helped clean out her basement, which sustained around $5,000 in damage after last weeks storms."When I saw them coming, I was happy," Metts said."Just a really good experience. You get to meet so many good people," said volunteer Monica Velasco."Trimming peoples hedges, cleaning their yards, weeding them," said another volunteer, Kyle Glissman.The teens, who also helped fix up some playgrounds will leave on Friday, after a week of work."I can't even explain how they can give from the heart, sacrifice and not complain and, at the end of the day, laughing and jumping around. I'm really proud of them," said chaperone Kim Zernek."There is a lot of good people and you can see it right here today," said Jeannette resident Lester Hopkins.But as much as the good they're leaving behind, for some of the teens, what's also important is what they're taking home."My faith needed a little work. Didn't really like it at first but I got used to it, it's a blast. One of the best weeks I ever had," said volunteer Brandon Reedu.
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