Volunteers Needed in Marion to Help With Storm Clean-Up
[UPDATE 8/12 8:32 a.m.] Today’s volunteer effort in Uptown Marion has been called off due to unsafe conditions and live wires in City Square Park as power is being restored. The effort will be rescheduled when safety conditions allow.
Much of Eastern Iowa was greatly impacted by Monday's storm. According to Iowa News Now, the storm was a "derecho", which is a storm that has wind speeds of 70 to 100 miles per hour. It basically is like a hurricane over land.
The storm left behind extensive damage. Debris covers roadways, trees are down across the area, there's damage to buildings and homes, and power outages are widespread. It's going to take a while to get things cleaned up. The city of Marion was one of the areas impacted and they are looking for volunteers to help with the clean-up.
The city issued a press release Tuesday night stating that they are seeking a limited number of volunteers in the Uptown area Wednesday. The press release states they are looking for "two shifts of about 50 volunteers to assist with the clean-up of storm debris. The first shift will be from 8 a.m.-noon. A second shift will take over from 1-4 p.m."
Volunteers are asked to wear a bright-colored shirt, protective equipment, and close-toed shoes. They are also asked to bring gloves, rakes, shovels, sunscreen, water, and other first aid supplies. No power equipment.
Parking is available in the lot between Marion City Hall and the Marion Public Library. For more information you can contact Fire Chief Deb Krebill at 319-377-8237 or dkrebill@cityofmarion.org.