When the devastating tornadoes swept through Appomattox County last week, hundreds of volunteers immediately appeared to support the affected families. Among the volunteers, 16 ready-to-serve AmeriCorps members were deployed to assist with debris removal and cleanup. Virginia State Parks Virginia Service and Conservation Corps AmeriCorps program worked alongside volunteers from the community and faith-based groups to lend a helping hand.

The Conservation Corps normally serves at parks throughout Virginia to work on projects like trail building, volunteer recruitment, and interpretive programming. Their outdoor project skills make them ideal to serve during times of disaster.

One member commented about how they were honored to be able to help the Appomattox community saying, “I’m glad to be a part of such a hard-working and dedicated crew. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and there is plenty more work to be done.”

For more information on the Virginia State Parks Virginia Service and Conservation Corps program, contact Cynthia Juarez at 540-623-6302, cynthia.juarez@dcr.virginia.gov.