The City of St. Joseph is seeking volunteers to help fill sandbags this weekend.

According to a press release, with an expected river crest at 30.1 feet by early next week, it is necessary to fill a large number of sandbags as soon as possible for them to be placed at various locations.

United Way of Greater St. Joseph is leading the volunteer recruitment for sandbagging operations. Individuals and groups are encouraged to help with the effort.

The hours of volunteer operations will be from Noon – 7 p.m., Saturday, March 16, and 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., on Sunday, March 17.

Volunteers should go to the sandbag staging location at 3002 South 6th Street (intersection of 6th and Atchison streets) during the hours of operation listed above. Individuals, teams, groups and organizations are welcome. Anyone with questions may call United Way at
(816) 364-2381.

The following information is relevant to volunteers wishing to assist in sandbagging efforts:
• Must be 18 years old OR with a parent/guardian
• Must wear appropriate clothing including close-toed shoes and gloves
• Location of operations – 3002 South 6th Street (6th and Atchison streets)
• Be willing and able to commit to increments of at least 2 hours
• Please refrain from bringing young children to the sandbagging site
• Must be able to lift 25-40 pounds
• Please bring a shovel if you have one

United Way is also asking organizations and agencies that have flood specific volunteer opportunities to register their opportunities with United Way by calling (816) 364-2381.