Hurricanes create bond between two girls

 SABINE PASS -- Since 2005, Hurricanes Rita and Ike have brought sadness and destruction to thousands of families across Southeast Texas.

 The disasters brought together a church group from New York State and the Sabine Pass Methodist Church.

 The hurricanes also created a bond between two girls.

 It's a scene that's all too familiar - volunteers working to help hurricane victims recover.

 "It makes me feel good to do something for other people," said Olivia Saunders.

 But what's different is the bond this group of New Yorkers has developed with the Sabine Pass community.

 "I get really excited cause I get to see Olivia and I get to do some work and paint," said Morgan Cewning-Kulick.

 10 year old Morgan Chewning-Kulick and 11 year old Olivia Saunders have looked forward to this mission trip for the past two years.

 It's the only time they get to see each other.

 "I get excited," said Saunders.

 Morgan lives in Cicero New York, near Syracuse.  Olivia lives in Sabine Pass.

 "We came down to help with the hurricane because it destroyed a lot of homes," said Chewning- Kulick.

 Morgan is one of 13 volunteers from 10 to 79 years old who've been coming to Sabine Pass since Hurricane Rita.

 They're back to help families recover from Hurricane Ike.

 "It's the people.  We come back for the people," said Chewning-Kulick.

 They've used 15 gallons of outdoor stain on 14 pylons and more than 2 thousand spindles, trying to prevent this wood from weathering.

 "We come down here to help and we always leave with our cups full," said Chewning-Kulick.

 It's an appreciation that reinforces a bond, created by disasters and strengthened by a mission trip from New York to Southeast Texas.

 The volunteers say they also look forward to soul food night.  It's when members of the Methodist congregation cook all types of Southern cuisine for the New Yorkers.