Volunteer groups still needed for debris cleanup

Volunteers cleared storm debris from more than 400 homes Saturday and Sunday as part of the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management’s Hometown Cleanup effort. Most of those homes belonged to elderly or disabled residents.

Many requests remain, however, and the office will continue taking requests from special-needs residents through the end of today.

Requests are subject to a two-part screening process; first over the phone, and second in person when volunteers arrive. If two or more able-bodied people are present, volunteers will bypass that request.

“We understand that damage left by the ice storm has placed a burden on the entire community,” said Ian Becherer, a unit leader with AmeriCorps, which is organizing cleanup volunteers, in a news release. “But with our limited number of volunteers, we’re only able to assist those who are truly not able to absorb that burden.”

AmeriCorps, in conjunction with the emergency management office, is seeking volunteer groups affiliated with an established organization, such as a scout troop, business, club, church or neighborhood organization. To volunteer as a group, call AmeriCorps at (888) 377-2100.