A Sacramento State student’s relief efforts in America’s Gulf Coast region lasted longer than planned when Hurricane Rita struck last week.

Junior Robbie Abelon, who left Sacramento to aid in relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina and its ensuing floods hit the southern region, originally planned on returning to California last Saturday. He chose to extend his trip by four days when Hurricane Rita began its devastating path toward the borders of Texas and Louisiana.

Stationed at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., Abelon, a “national guardsman,” helps with morale and getting up to 500 people settled in the basketball arena.

He is one of many Californians currently volunteering with the American Red Cross helping relief efforts on the Gulf Coast.

“Being able to see first hand the power of nature and its effects on people is horrific,” Abelon wrote in an e-mail. “But I have also seen countless acts of selflessness by complete strangers and an outpouring of good will from across the country in the form of money, supplies and volunteering.” Abelon also said that, “major preparations for Hurricane Rita are being made.””We have stocked up on food, water and medical supplies as well as having back up generators,” he said.

Abelon informed The State Hornet on Thursday that a major flow of buses full of evacuees was heading toward the facility where Abelon is stationed.

“Even as we shake off the effects of one hurricane as we prepare for another, hope and optimism are sustained with the residents, national guard and the Red Cross volunteers at our shelter.”

Abelon returned early today and planned on returning to class immediately.

Melissa Murphy can be reached at [email protected]