To the rescue

As the region continues to recover from floods and February's ice storms, an army of helping hands has found ways to provide invaluable assistance. Hundreds of volunteers have responded to calls for help with cleanup at Jackson City Park and Trail of Tears State Park.

In addition, the storms have attracted volunteers from outside the area who work to provide solace and relief to weather-weary residents.

Samaritan's Purse has set up shop in Scott County to aid with flood-cleanup efforts in Delta and Chaffee. Both towns were hard hit. Samaritan's Purse is an international relief effort headed by Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham. Many residents here are familiar with the organization's annual Operation Christmas Child that provides 8 million shoeboxes of donated gifts to children in 11 countries.

The Samaritan Purse relief effort in Piedmont, Mo., is currently featured on the Web site, samaritanspurse.org.

The Southern Baptist Chain Saw Ministry is another group that provides manpower and tools to clear fallen trees, limbs and debris after storms. Residents who have been helped by the chain-saw crews have heaped praise on their efforts.

Thanks to all the volunteers for their special efforts in a time of need.