Join the CRC Crew for The People’s Response – Sunday, May 25
In the aftermath of last week’s devastating storms, our neighbors across St. Louis need our help. CRC is organizing a volunteer crew to support The People’s Response on Sunday, May 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Action St. Louis outreach headquarters at the O’Fallon Park Rec Center (4343 W. Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115).
Meet Rabbi Randy at Central Reform Congregation (5020 Waterman Blvd.) at 9:00 a.m. and we’ll carpool together. You can also come directly, if you need to leave earlier.
Volunteers may help organize supplies, assist with drop-off or pickup of supply donations, or assist in the field with storm cleanup and debris removal.
Please note:
- The supply pick-up and drop-off area is quite busy and not ideal for young children.
- Older youth/teens are welcome and can be especially helpful with organizing supplies.
- They ask that any young people who join have adult support, especially if they plan to go into the field.
- Debris removal may involve areas with exposed nails or metal, so use discretion in deciding what’s appropriate for teenagers.
Feel free to Contact Rabbi Randy with any questions!
*be sure to pick the 5/25 9:30-3:00 slot!
Be aware! If you opt to clean up debris:
- Volunteers cleaning up debris in the field carpool to the cleanup sites. Consequently, individuals will have less control over when they return to the YMCA.** Plan to serve a full shift until around 3-3:15pm if you volunteer to clean up debris.
**If you can only serve a shorter shift, volunteer for the sorting and distribution which takes place in the YMCA parking lot, and you will be able to leave when you need. - These are dangerous sites. There are unstable buildings with loose bricks, debris and broken branches stuck in trees, broken glass, nails and screws, splintered wood, etc.
- The buildings are old and may contain asbestos. Action St Louis will provide you with an N95 mask. A P100 respirator is preferable if dealing with asbestos. Long pants and shirt are recommended, as well as gloves.
- There are no restrooms available in the field when you are picking up debris.
- Things to bring with you:
- —appropriate footwear, as noted when you sign up
- —sunscreen (Action St Louis does have a supply for volunteers’ use, though)
- —water bottle (they have a supply of single-use plastic bottles if you need more)
- —cell phone (necessary for signing in and communicating while in the field)
- —protective respirator if you are particular about the kind of mask you use
- —hand sanitizer if you plan to eat in the field
- —a chainsaw if you have one and know how to use it
- Things not to bring:
- —anything that can’t sit in someone else’s car while you’re working
- —nothing valuable or that will melt
What you can expect: If you volunteer to clean debris, you will be assigned to a group and will initially drive around looking for a site in need of the kind of cleanup that Action St Louis does. Once you have located your cleanup site, everyone will pitch in to do what is needed to get that site cleaned up. When your group is done, you will be brought back to your care at the YMCA parking lot.