A group from Perkins County traveled east last weekend to assist in flood efforts. Hosmer Doolittle of Madrid said district coordinators of their church volunteer relief aid program, Christian Disaster Relief (CDR), went to see the extent of the damage and then sent out a call to the closest Mennonite churches for volunteer help from members.

Doolittle said they left early Saturday morning and worked on sandbagging in Alda, Dannebrog and Wood River. They carried furniture and possessions out of flooded basements, removed wet carpet and drywall and pumped water out of flooded basements. Doolittle said there are many other towns that need assistance. They were unable to get into some towns to help as they were still flooded.

“Anyone who feels to volunteer time or effort to those communities would be appreciated very much by those individuals! It is a rewarding work,” he said. Bob Detweiler of Grand Island contacted The Grant Tribune to express his thanks to three men from Grant who helped sandbag at Alda’s Fire Station. “Just to let the folks in Grant know, you have outstanding young men who have been brought up by wonderful parents to help one another. Thank you!

“I really appreciated these guys coming up here, plus the work from the heart they put into this as if this was their own community. Makes me proud of their commitment. May God bless them richly!” Detweiler said.

How to help

Those wishing to donate their time and labor directly to a community affected by flooding can call the Nebraska Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)volunteer coordination line at 402-898-6050. Locally, Regier Equipment in Madrid is filling a trailer donated by Jerry Harms with items donated by community members to assist in flood relief. Items are also being accepted at Grant E-Free Church Those with questions can call Rachelle, Ashli or Kelsey at Regier Equipment at 308-326-4245.

Midwest Electric is also accepting flood relief items for a truck leaving Imperial Saturday. Items must be dropped off at Midwest by noon on Friday. The trailer, parked at Imperial Super Foods, was donated by Harchelroad Motors.

All donations received are being coordinated through Nebraska 211. Call 211 in Nebraska or 866-813-1731 outside Nebraska.

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