Storm damage in Bellevue Park.
Harrisburg is calling on volunteers to help clean up damage caused by Hurricane Debby earlier this month.
The city’s Public Works Department and workers with Disaster Aid USA are asking for assistance removing downed trees and debris in the Bellevue Park neighborhood, which saw significant damage from an Aug. 9 tornado touchdown.
Community members can volunteer on the following days:
- Thursday, Aug. 22 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 24 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cleanup will take place in the area where Briarcliff Road, Chestnut Street and Parkhill Lane meet. Volunteers will help move downed tree limbs and shrubbery to the curb and public works crews will use heavy equipment trucks to grab debris, cut up tree limbs and run logs through wood chippers.
Volunteer parking is available at The Bridge Eco-Village (former Bishop McDevitt High School).
People interested in helping should wear closed-toed shoes, pants and long-sleeve shirts. Gloves and hats are also advised. The city asks that they bring rakes and loppers if available. Water, porta-potties and a shade tent will be provided by the city.
During the cleanup, through traffic will be closed to non-emergency vehicles between the intersections of Briarcliff and Market streets and Chestnut Street and Pentwater Road.
“We are calling on Harrisburg residents to help our own in their time of need,” said Public Works Director Dave West, in a statement. “This tornado has massively devastated our community, and we are using every possible asset that we can to try and clean up this entire area so we can make the city better for our children, and all of our residents.”
City residents can also contact West directly at [email protected]. Public Works will pick up any debris left curbside. The city will also come onto residents’ property to remove debris, with written consent via email.
For more information, visit the city’s website.
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