As southern Indiana continues to recover from tornado devastation last March, North Oakland Disaster Relief Team is gearing up to help.
“We’ll help people who otherwise couldn’t get back into their homes,” said Kathy Garwood, who runs the Clarkston-based non-profit group with her husband, Stan Garwod. “We help people reclaim their lives and homes.”
The trip is set for May 16-19. Volunteers are needed to clear debris, cut down trees, and repair homes.
“We basically look for people who can help with construction, painting, dry walling, cleaning ? we do everything, molding, siding, roofing, whatever they need,” Stan said. “We’ll need a cook because we have to make our own food.”
Anyone can volunteer, Kathy said.
“You don’t need to have certain skills ? we have experts, retirees with so much experience. They’ll teach you. We learn from each other,” she said. “I can do just about anything now after 12 years. I own my own tools.”
Volunteers will stay in a summer camp in Henryville, Ind.
“Camp starts in June so it’s empty right now,” Kathy said.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and willing to work. Equipment, supplies and lodging are provided by NODRT. Bring money for meals during the drive down and back.
“You become very close to the people you’re helping, and the people you’re working with, too,” Kathy said. “You’ll come away with way more than you give. It’s very rewarding.”
NODRT, a coalition of churches, busineses, organizations and volunteers, was founded in 2001.
For more information, call 248-625-3123.