Volunteers needed: Dexter tornado cleanup blitz continues Sunday
The Dexter community will continue its tornado cleanup blitz on Sunday, with organizers asking volunteers to mobilize from 9-5 at the Hudson Mills Metropark.
Work started on Saturday as at least 500 people showed up to help clear brush and debris from the areas affected by the March 15 tornado.
However, hundreds of additional volunteers were needed.
“We think the threat of (bad) weather kept people away,” said volunteer coordinator Niki Polzin.
Adults willing to lift brush and debris or man a chainsaw are sought. Also needed are people with trucks or trailers that can help with hauling.
However, children should be left at home due to the heavy equipment, Polzin said.
Transportation is set up at Hudson Mills, with continuous service during the hours of the cleanup effort. Volunteers who cannot stay for the entire time will be able to find a ride back to their vehicle, Polzin said.
In addition, volunteers are asked not to use Dexter-Pinckney Road. Part of the road remains closed, and a portion of the cleanup is targeting that route.
For information, call Dexter Township Hall at 734-426-3767.
Comments
rbnk413
Mon, Mar 26, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.
I'm another house that received help from a huge number of volunteers. I don't know how to thank everyone for taking the time out of their busy schedules to do something so kind for a stranger! From cutting to raking to hauling, they did it all in just about two hours. While we lost a lot of beautiful mature trees, our yard, front and back, is showing new potential. I can't wait to plant some new trees! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
kraiford12
Mon, Mar 26, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.
I signed up on Dexter's website awhile ago volunteering my time if needed. I put down any day and time I would be available (willing to take off work). I listed a variety of relevant skills the simplest being "I'm fit and can pick up the heavy things and put them back down". I received no E-mail, no phone call about this event. Had I seen this article I would have attended... unfortunately I was out of town. Anyone else who signed up to volunteer not get this or any other reply asking for help?
DexterRocks
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.
We are one of the MANY families that were spared damage to the home but have trees down everywhere. Our backyard is upside down! The help from volunteers this weekend has been an amazing experience. Thank you Dexter Wrestling, area sports teams and Dexter Community Schools for all of your help! We have over 100 trees down and the amount of clean up that was done this weekend inspires hope in our hearts that we can and will create a new normal. A new place for our children to play. As I read the articles by AA.com and follow the Facebook groups, talk with other victims, friends, teachers and officials I am absolutely SHOCKED at how well Dexter and many surrounding towns have united with all of us. THIS is community folks! This is where God works wonders in peoples hearts. Thank you with all of our families hopes, prayers and thanks!
DexterRocks
Mon, Mar 26, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.
Update, given that our own Webster Township has decided not to help it's residents out we are even MORE thankful for the volunteers that have came to help. Some of you were from other cities and our wonderful neighboring Dexter Township shared some love and sent you to us. Thank you and Thank you Dexter Township!
Number7
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.
MathGeek, I'm not understanding. You posted at 9:50 this morning. The article was posted at 5:57 this morning. The clean up was 9-5. Flimsy excuse and they could have used you! I hope you found time to go out and help as this is a "drop what you're doing" situation and it's changing all the time. The number of fallen trees is shocking. Many people have friends and family to help. There are others, however, who don't have any help at all. I was told there is an elderly couple who had damage to nearly 100 trees. They have only one son to help. It would be helpful if the Ann Arbor News posted pictures of the level of destruction they're dealing with out there so readers could better understand what the community is going through.
MathGeek
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
If this story, and the one like it yesterday, could be posted more than 4 hours before this volunteer blitz is supposed to happen, I'd love to go. Why not post now for next weekend, if there is going to be a similar blitz.