Today I spent two hours picking up branches and small limbs as others used chainsaws to free the homes from trees. Consider spending a few hours over the next few days joining the work.
Where to go: Today the sign in center was at Lion's Park, but it might move. Call Raleigh Community Services at 996-6100 to confirm the new sign in location.
At the sign in center, you give your name, address, etc. & sign a release form; those under 18 have to have a parent with them to sign. They will give you a map to the coordination center. Today's center was at the Food Lion on Raleigh Blvd. This is where I left my car. A shuttle will take you to the work neighborhood. At the shuttle drop off point, the staging crew will point you down a road. Walk until you hear chainsaws, then start dragging debris to the curb.
What to bring: work gloves, a hat & a bottle of water. Wear closed-toed shoes (I wore work boots & was glad I did; there is some broken glass). Slather yourself with sunscreen. Consider sticking something salty or a candybar in your pocket. Don't bother bringing rakes, saws, etc. There are roving bands of chainsaw guys (3 cheers); you are needed more to move debris.
Minimum health requirements: You'll need to walk several blocks from the shuttle drop off to the house where you work. You'll be picking up limbs & branches, so you need to be able to bend repeatedly. And you need to know your limits - this is hot work under emotional stress; take breaks frequently and STAY HYDRATED.
Great support: Cold water bottles are readily available from circulating trucks & the shuttle bus tours the neighborhood so you can stop whenever you want. If you decide to work over lunch, grab the shuttle back to the coordination center; I heard that today's meal was Chik-fil-A.
Where to go: Today the sign in center was at Lion's Park, but it might move. Call Raleigh Community Services at 996-6100 to confirm the new sign in location.
At the sign in center, you give your name, address, etc. & sign a release form; those under 18 have to have a parent with them to sign. They will give you a map to the coordination center. Today's center was at the Food Lion on Raleigh Blvd. This is where I left my car. A shuttle will take you to the work neighborhood. At the shuttle drop off point, the staging crew will point you down a road. Walk until you hear chainsaws, then start dragging debris to the curb.
What to bring: work gloves, a hat & a bottle of water. Wear closed-toed shoes (I wore work boots & was glad I did; there is some broken glass). Slather yourself with sunscreen. Consider sticking something salty or a candybar in your pocket. Don't bother bringing rakes, saws, etc. There are roving bands of chainsaw guys (3 cheers); you are needed more to move debris.
Minimum health requirements: You'll need to walk several blocks from the shuttle drop off to the house where you work. You'll be picking up limbs & branches, so you need to be able to bend repeatedly. And you need to know your limits - this is hot work under emotional stress; take breaks frequently and STAY HYDRATED.
Great support: Cold water bottles are readily available from circulating trucks & the shuttle bus tours the neighborhood so you can stop whenever you want. If you decide to work over lunch, grab the shuttle back to the coordination center; I heard that today's meal was Chik-fil-A.