SVC Lends Hand to Clean up Hurricane Irene Damages

WILMINGTON, Vt.- Exactly two weeks after Hurricane Irene tore through Northern New England, the Southern Vermont College Athletics Department made a trip to nearby Wilmington, Vt. to lend a hand with clean up. The town of Wilmington suffered extensive damages after Irene. The downtown area which used to be a small charming area, is no longer the same.

The effects of Irene raised Deerfield River to second story buildings in Wilmington for a few days. All businesses and homes along the river were unfortunately destroyed. Although, the town and community members are holding out hope for the town to rebuild and heal from the wounds of Irene.

This past Sunday the SVC Athletics Department showed up, 25 people strong, and helped out three local businesses mend its repairs. The department was split into three groups, one to help each business.

The first group was sent to Blue Mountain Produce to help clean out the still wet basement. The athletes, lifted furniture, ripped down rotten insulation and completely cleaned out the space.

A second group went to Twice Blessed, which was once a second hand clothing store and is now the center for all donations since Irene hit. The Athletes helped organize and sort through the overwhelming amount of clothing that has been graciously donated to the town and connecting towns.

The last group went to North Star Bowl, the only bowling alley in town. About twelve male athletes helped remove 600 pound bowling lanes. The rest of the athletes, cleaned pots, pans, furniture and the back end of the North Star where most of the debris ended up when the water went down.

It was a positive day for the entire SVC Athletics Department after a day of community service and hope that there will be more opportunities in the near future.

For future reference, Wilmington is looking for help by volunteering. The main sign in area to assist in volunteering for a day is located across the street from Twin Valley High School.