Your time is valuable.  You can spend it on many things from work, to vacations, to fixing up the house, to doing research, to writing the great American novel, to just about anything you can imagine.  So why should you give up your time and volunteer to help people you do not even know?  Here are some reasons:

1. The people affected by the hurricane need your help and if you were in their shoes, you would want them to help.
2. Many of the people from the region can not afford to (or cannot find) contractors
3. The destruction is so widespread that they can not ask their neighbors for help since their neighbors are also affected.
4. Helping out shows the victims the nation has not forgotten and gives them hope (maybe the most important thing we can give).
5. It will make you feel good
6. It's fun
7. It helps you meet new friends
8. It looks great on a resume
9. It will give you a new perspective on minor problems
10. It will give you more energy