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Red Cross Youth Board Help in Allenstown Cleanup
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| Red Cross Youth Board members, (from left) Maddie Cole, Matt Rafio, Jim Fallon, Glen Walters and Jette Welch, all from Bow High School, worked with other groups and Allenstown residents to clean up flood debris. (Photo by Erin Kizer, NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management) |
CONCORD - September 28, 2007 - Flood ravaged Allenstown got some welcome help on Saturday, September 28, from more than 20 volunteers. Most were from the Youth Board of the Granite Chapter; others were from Catholic Charities and Boy Scouts. Neighbors joined the volunteers to fill four trash trucks to overflowing, removing over eight tons of garbage and debris from roads, river beds and lawns.
"Recovery is a long process," commented Andy Labrie, case manager for the Community Action Program of Belknap and Merrimack Counties. "But it has been a really positive day for residents to see that there are still people concerned and willing to help long after the flood."
The most recent damage to this area came from last April's Nor'easter which caused flooding along the Suncook River for the second time in 18 months. Riverside Drive in Allenstown was one of the hardest hit neighborhoods in the state. Damage has been emotional as well, and support from the volunteers gave residents a psychological boost.
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| Youth volunteers from the chapter's Youth Board and Allenstown residents worked side by side to help the community recover from recent floods. (Photo by Erin Kizer, NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management) |
"It's really nice to see the kids who have given up their Saturday to come and help out people," said Allenstown resident George Lockwood.
One Youth Board member expressed why she came down on Saturday. "I love helping people. It was a really great experience!"
The Granite Chapter's Youth Board is a leadership group of teens from high schools within the service area of the chapter. They plan, organize and participate in activities within the communities that further the mission of the American Red Cross. Anyone interested in the Youth Board should call Becky Coliandris at 225-6697 x226.
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