June 13, 2008

In response to the flooding throughout Des Moines and Iowa, Simpson College will be encouraging faculty, students and staff to volunteer during the next several days.

Two groups from Simpson spent part of their Thursday assisting with sandbagging efforts in Des Moines.

Six members of Campus Services filled sandbags for four hours at McHenry Park to help the National Guard reinforce a levee.

Jeremy Huffman, director of Campus Services, said the group wanted to help fellow Iowans prepare for the flooding and, after learning Indianola did not need any assistance, decided to direct their attention to Des Moines.

“I’m certainly glad we were able to go and help and would encourage anyone else to do the same,” said Huffman. “You’ll be exhausted by the end of the day but will feel good about the time you spent helping others.”

Individuals from Simpson’s Upward Bound program, including 8 staff members and 23 students, also traveled to Des Moines to help the United Way. A few of the students who participate in Simpson’s Upward Bound program live in areas affected by the flooding and at least two students have had to evacuate their homes.

The group worked at the Polk City Administration Building, putting sandbags on top of dirt barriers protecting the area.

Cindy Roby, director of Upward Bound, said the group had to be taken by boat across the parking lot to reach the building, which was “quite the reality check of the amount of water we are encountering.”

Many members of the group plan to continue volunteering over the weekend.