By Betsy Baertlein
Features Editor
During the weekend of Sept. 8-9, 314 Saint Mary’s University students volunteered for flood relief, contributing a total of 1,479 hours of service. This was part of a kickoff for relief efforts sponsored by SMU Volunteer Services.
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Students went to the towns of Minnesota City, Houston, Stockton, and Rushford to help with tasks such as light construction, yard work, tree removal, mucking, power washing, clothes folding, and river cleanup.
Although SMU immediately responded to the flood by housing the Red Cross shelter on campus and sending out faculty and staff just two days after the flood, this was one of the first opportunities for students to get involved. SMU worked with Winona County and agencies such as the Mississippi River Center and Edina Realty to send aid where the need was greatest.
However, much more still needs to be done, said Katie LaPlant, director of student activities and volunteer services, who estimates that relief efforts will continue for at least two years. Right now, said LaPlant, people are waiting for their houses to dry out, and only after this happens can the real construction begin. For the next two to three months, there will be volunteer opportunities for students to help with the cleaning and gutting of homes. If students would like to be involved in upcoming relief efforts, they can go to www.smumn.edu/floodhelp to fill out a form. LaPlant said that “there is no better way to carry out the Lasallian charism than empowering community and bringing hope to those who feel hopeless.” With the continued efforts of SMU students, said LaPlant, this mission will be realized.
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