Alburnett Students Help with Tornado Cleanup

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

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By Dave Franzman

Story Created: Apr 28, 2009 at 5:07 PM CST

Story Updated: Apr 28, 2009 at 5:14 PM CST

LINN COUNTY-Rural residents in Linn County still cleaning up after a weekend tornado got lots of extra help Tuesday afternoon. That help came from more than 200 Alburnett Community School students who skipped afternoon classes to clear debris.

Alburnett teacher Linda Franck was one of the organizers who put together the assistance effort. She said a vast majority of students in upper grades agreed to participate. "80 percent of our 7th-12th graders are out picking up after the tornado," Franck said.

On Tuesday afternoon, buses took students to four rural residences that sustained storm damage. While students couldn't run machinery or do heavy lifting--they certainly could make a dent in picking up the scattered debris.

A large number of students spent time in fields gathering up bits of metal. One property owner, Faith Martin, said that work would save farmers a lot of time. "Little pieces of sheet metal out there--that'll save us days and a lot of other people days. So it's great to have them here and we appreciate all their help," Martin said.

Students that took part in the clean up say it's nice to be appreciated. And many said they would learn something about helping neighbors as well from the experience.

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