Flood Volunteers Get Hero's Praise for Superhuman Efforts

Tools

By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Sep 3, 2009 at 4:47 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 3, 2009 at 5:17 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Thousands of people have worked long and hard since last year's flood. Groups organizing the volunteers thought it was time to recognize all the efforts with some "star power."

Norwalk native Brandon Routh put on the Superman tights for a big budget movie in back 2005. But Routh used his celebrity Thursday to say thanks to current volunteers, and to make a pitch for more.

Few would disagree it will take a superhuman effort to restore the flood damaged parts of Cedar Rapids after June of 2008.

So why not call on Hollywood's latest Superman to give everybody a pep talk.

"It's a lot of work every single day...and it was great to see how many people support the work out there," said Laura Weisman with AmeriCorps.

Routh told about two hundred assembled volunteers that he appreciates the concept of service. He said his parents took him as a child to nursing homes and other places to help others.

But speeches by the actor and politicians was just a part of the program. The crowd seemed more interested in an autograph...or a dozen...and maybe a photo.

Routh says as a native Iowan he felt a call to draw attention to the on-going needs here.

"It great I have the opportunity that I've gone away and am able to come back...maybe be helpful in a different way," Routh said.

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin said,"It's great to see Brandon come here and instill in these young people the encouragement and desire to do this kind of volunteerism."

Routh was the star attraction at this event. But organizers say the volunteers who keep going out to do good deeds are the real stars of restoring Cedar Rapids.

The number of total volunteer hours in Cedar Rapids is nearing a million. And the value of the free labor from AmeriCorps/Vista alone is an estimated $13-million dollars.

Next Article Dubuque Group Pushes Prayer at Council Meetings

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.