Group raising money to help parents, students make up for cancelled trip

MACON - Houston County fifth-graders may get to travel this summer to make up for their lost trip to Washington, which was canceled in October after the terrorist attacks. <br> <br> About 150 Houston County families lost more than $72,000 when the trip to the nation&#39;s capital was canceled. Parents expected to get almost all but $40 of the $500 per-person cost back from Rustin Tours Inc. But the Atlanta-based company never made the refunds. <br> <br> The Houston County Heritage Foundation is collecting money to help offset costs for a school field trip that meets guidelines set by the board of education. They are asking for people to make donations. <br> <br> Most parents weren&#39;t upset to hear the trip had been canceled, said Brian Jones, whose 10-year-old daughter Emily was supposed to go on the trip. <br> <br> But then Rustin said he would not grant a refund because the trip was canceled 30 days before it was scheduled a provision outlined in the contract. <br> <br> &#39;&#39;(Rustin) was taking advantage when our country was going through a national crisis,&#39;&#39; Jones said. The attack ``was an opportunity for him to make off with our money.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Rustin&#39;s business is now closed, but the families are considering bringing a lawsuit against him.