Young and old have answered the call to help sandbagging efforts at City Beach and then later at Kerry Park over the past week.
Youth of all ages around the community have picked up a shovel or a sandbag to help out. Most had not been personally affected by the flood, but knew someone who was in need of the sandbags they provided.
For a lot of kids and teens, helping out during the flood was a fun activity which encouraged them to be outside and get some exercise this summer. It was also a good way to keep productive and help out the community. Many kids out sandbagging didn't see it as a chore, and kept the people for which they were volunteering in mind while donating their time and energy.
“I really like how the community is really coming together for people." Maria Shermoen said while sandbagging Friday. She also mentioned she is thinking of her grandfather and friend who have both been hit hard by the flood.
Many also helped for multiple days, not just for an afternoon. Some teens mentioned how inspirational and heartwarming it was to volunteer to help people with the flood, while also seeing how many other people are pitching in to do the same.
Some kids even expressed how much they would like to help out in other ways, such as help build dikes for those who need them to protect their homes and other buildings.
Teens who loaned their efforts in the hot sun Friday weren't too worried about sunburn; they were just hoping for no rain over the next few days.
Even kids as little as 8 years old were able to pick up a shovel their size and help fill bags.
Rainy Lake, the volunteers said, has provided memories of boating, fishing, swimming, and more, and kids understand they also need to play a part in helping when the lake gets bad, even if they are not personally affected.
By witnessing the volunteers, it seems people of all ages care about their community and are willing to help work to make it better.
