The Benders have it exactly right. You go to help, but you end up being blessed yourself.
I haven't been to New Orleans, but I did go with a group of Mennonites to the Pakistan side of Kashmir that same year. We spent most of our time moving rocks and debris from collapsed houses. We'd call it boring work here, but somehow it's different if you're a volunteer. The experience was amazing. I wish more people got a chance to serve somewhere, whether it's here in the USA or overseas. There's a world of hurt out there.
Jesus, who has perfected weather control with his magical superpowers, could not be reached for comment as to why he appears to enjoy drowning black people in strong central gulf-coast hurricanes.