A coalition of community groups is asking for volunteers today to join work parties in Stanwood and Snohomish to assist people whose homes or property were damaged by the recent floods.
It’s the first in what they hope will be an ongoing volunteer effort to assist people throughout the county.
“The whole concept is to go in and provide extra hands for people who have suffered loss,” said Dana Libby, who helps lead the Snohomish County Chapter of the Salvation Army. “This is a way for neighbors to come together.”
Up to 100 volunteers are needed to help in tasks such as moving debris and scrubbing walls in the Stanwood area, he said.
About 60 people are needed for the Snohomish work party, Libby said. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, eye protection and boots or other outdoor footwear.
Both projects will take place rain or shine, he said.
“So much of this work is just moving stuff, clearing away brush, raking, things that are very labor intensive,” Libby said.
The local branch of the Salvation Army is joining grass-roots groups from around the county in the effort, called Snohomish County Community Organizations Active in Disaster.
The groups first came together in an informal coalition in the aftermath of the 2006 floods. Its purpose is to bring together community volunteers “to help neighbors with a problem,” he said.
So far, 134 properties in the Stanwood area have been identified as having significant flood damage, Libby said. In the Snohomish area, it’s about 50.
For someone whose yard has been filled with brush and logs left by floodwaters, the work by volunteers provides the first step in cleaning up.
“When it’s done and the debris is cleared back, then they can start moving ahead spiritually and mentally,” Libby said.
Volunteers interested in helping at today’s work party in Stanwood should meet at 9 a.m. at 8820 Viking Way, near the Viking Restaurant.
Snohomish volunteers will gather at 10:45 a.m. today.
Organizer David Scattergood asked for those interested in participating to e-mail him for details at davidscattergood@gmail.com.
Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
How you can help flood victims today
Volunteers interested in helping at today’s work party in Stanwood to help people affected by recent flooding should contact Dana Libby at the Salvation Army at dana.libby@ usw.salvationarmy.org.
Volunteers interested in helping at the work party in Snohomish should contact David Scattergood at davidscattergood@ gmail.com.
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