Volunteer carpenters sought for flood recovery

Flood recovery organizations are seeking volunteer carpenters to help 20 families return to their homes by the end of the year.

The Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition and Block by Block are coordinating the effort to finish work in the homes. Officials with the groups say the flow of volunteers has come to a halt with winter weather and the holidays, but they're seeking volunteers with carpentry skills in an effort to get the 20 families back in their homes by 2010.

“The road to recovery has been long and we are just days away from completing projects in several homes. Our goal is to get these families into their homes for the holidays” says Steve Schmitz, director of the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition.

Volunteers will work through Thursday this week, and Monday through Thursday next week. If you have carpentry skills and are interested in giving a day or several days to help, contact the East Central Iowa Volunteer Center at (319) 540-4810.