Twenty-two Neosho County Community College nursing students leave this morning for Houston, where they will give aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“They’ll be back a week from Saturday,” said Pam Colvault, site coordinator at the Ottawa-based program.

The students will assist relief efforts being led by Willow Meadows Baptist Church.

“The pastor there has assured us there is plenty to do,” Colvault said. “This involves four or five fairly large churches that have taken in about 200 evacuees.”

Three faculty members are accompanying the students. The group includes three Lawrence-area students: Meryl Brasel, Marcia Devers and Santa Chansaviang.

“This is about helping and caring,” Colvault said, “which is what nursing is about. It will be a good learning experience.”