PLATTSBURGH -- People in Nicaragua can't seem to catch a break.

"The food shortage isn't getting better. The water purification isn't getting better," said Mission of Hope Executive Director Sister Debbie Blow.

"People there continue to be pounded by natural disaster."

Hurricane Felix rocked the fragile country in September, displacing hundreds of thousands.

And a tropical depression dumped 6 inches of rain each day for 15 days on the struggling country in October and November.

These conditions have increased the risk of disease and decreased the availability of food and water within the villages.

But, Blow said, they still have hope.

Mission of Hope provides emergency relief to suffering Nicaraguans, as well as helping them develop long-term sustainability.

In January, a team of five volunteers, including Blow, will travel there to set up for the annual February trip.

This year, an average-size group of 47 people from the area will go to Nicaragua for the week-long mission trip.

Kristin Gagnier, a Spanish teacher at Seton Catholic who is also part of the January advance-preparation team, will go with doctors to people's homes and help translate for the medical outreach program.

Gagnier has been going to Nicaragua with the Mission of Hope since 2001.

Blow said that during the January trip they will help distribute the more than 20,000 pounds of supplies that were recently shipped to Corinto, Nicaragua.

She said community support has increased tremendously this year.

Students at Seton Catholic recently raised nearly $700 for the Children Feeding Children program, which Blow said will provide 2,800 meals to kids.