Hundreds of young people celebrated America's birthday with a day of service in the Hurricane Katrina damaged Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.

Students with the faith-based group "Hope Worldwide" spent the day clearing and preparing lots for future homes.

"Makes me feel good," said Zach Sanicola from Nashville. "Makes me feel really grateful for everything that I've been blessed with. I just want to help people out who need it the most. You know."

I'm working to rebuild the city, New Orleans," said Renata Trajano from Los Angeles. "I'm really excited. I'm working hard. But, I feel really encouraged because everyone is working with me. I feel very happy."

Students say the images that surround them in this largely forgotten neighborhood convey both the extent of the disaster and how much work still needs to be done before families can finally come home.

"This has been a really sobering experience just to see it up close, to see what's been really going on," said Jessica Francis of Orlando.

July 4th is a unique America holiday when we reflect on what our country is all about. Organizers and volunteers say there's no better way to celebrate America than helping out in the Lower Ninth Ward.

"This is going to be a 4th of July nobody's going to forget," said Sanicola. "That's for sure. Really hope we can help a lot of families. People who lost everything."

"This is the only place I think we all would want to be right now, is right here," said Francis. "There's a lot of needs elsewhere, but I like that we're taking care of each other here at home."

"I was in Boston last year it was beautifu," said Trajano. "Honestly, it does not compare with the time that I'm having right now. I don't need fireworks. I have fireworks around here."

This isn't "Hope Worldwide's" first trip to New Orleans.

Right after Katrina the group helped clear debris and replant trees at City Park.

Hope also works with Habitat for Humanity to rebuild homes for families in need.