Et cetera : NCCC Teams Bring HOPE with Stars

Rachel (Oak 3) paints a heart on her Star of HOPE

Teams Oak 3 and Cedar 6 pose with their very own AmeriCorps NCCC Star of HOPE

Sponsor Mary and Gilbert (Cedar 6) mount a Star of HOPE in the yard of a flood affected home.

By: Novastarr Nelson

AmeriCorps NCCC’s (National Civilian Community Corps) Oak 3 and Cedar 6 worked with Stars of HOPE in Minot, North Dakota this past weekend, preparing for a Celebration of HOPE event to be held on June 22.

Last year, Minot accepted the first Star of HOPE from Joplin, Missouri after experiencing a devastating flood that damaged or destroyed thousands of homes. This year, during the Celebration of HOPE, Minot passes the star to the survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. NCCC members spent Sunday painting inspirational words and messages on star cut-outs. Then, armed with drills and sledgehammers, the team planted posts and mounted their stars throughout the affected areas of Minot. Hopefully, the new color and creativity will inspire community members to take part in the Celebration of HOPE next weekend and paint their own words of inspiration that will encourage growth and progress for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Stars of HOPE is a volunteer organization that provides art therapy to children affected by disasters through the creation of colorful and inspiring hand-painted stars. The stars are posted in devastated areas throughout affected communities, bringing light and the possibility of a brighter future to all who see them. Each community passes the “community star” to the next town or city that needs strength after a disaster.