Community volunteers needed Oct. 4

NEW RICHLAND, Minn. — The City of New Richland and the Waseca Exchange Club are joining forces to coordinate a community-wide New Richland Disaster Clean-Up Day on Sunday, October 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers from Waseca County and surrounding communities are encouraged to lend a hand as residents and businesses continue recovering from the recent flooding.

 

Volunteers are welcome to serve for the entire day or for whatever portion of the day their schedules allow. Whether someone can give two hours or eight, organizers say every set of helping hands will make a difference. Area Churches and other organizations are welcome to bring groups of people to help out. 

 

“We are incredibly grateful for the people who have already stepped forward and for everyone who is willing to come help our community,” said Ty Lendt, New Richland City Administrator. “There is a tremendous amount of work to be done, and we will gladly welcome as many volunteers as we can get. Every person who gives their time helps a family, a business owner or a neighbor take another step toward recovery.”

 

All volunteers are asked to register before arriving. The registration link can be found on the Facebook pages of the City of New Richland and the Waseca Exchange Club. Mikhail Rostislavovich and Ann Staloch from the Waseca Exchange Club, stated “Being able to help our neighbors in New Richland with some coordination efforts is a needed way to serve our county community.”

 

On October 4, volunteers will report first to the New Richland Fire Department, where they will check in, sign required waivers and receive a volunteer wristband before being directed to an assigned work site. Volunteers should not report directly to individual homes or businesses.

 

The registration and check-in process is an important part of the recovery effort. It allows organizers to know who is working in the community, match volunteers and equipment with appropriate needs, and help protect both volunteers and the residents and business owners receiving assistance.

 

Because much of the work will take place in areas affected by flooding, volunteers should arrive dressed appropriately for wet, muddy and dirty conditions and wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for physical clean-up work.

 

The coordinated registration system is also being used for more than physical volunteers. Individuals, businesses, churches and organizations wishing to help can use the registration process to offer meals for volunteers, equipment or other resources. Organizers are coordinating meals so volunteers working throughout the community can be fed and resources can be distributed where they are needed most.

 

Those wishing to make a monetary donation to support recovery efforts will be directed to the Waseca Area Foundation, helping ensure financial contributions are handled through an established local organization.

 

The City of New Richland and Waseca Exchange Club are working together to create a coordinated response that gets help where it is needed while protecting the people who are giving assistance and those whose properties have been affected.

 

New Richland Disaster Clean-Up Day

Sunday, October 4

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Volunteer Check-In: New Richland Fire Department

Volunteers should register in advance through the link available on the City of New Richland and Waseca Exchange Club Facebook pages.