More volunteers needed to clean up tornado debris

It's been 23 days since a tornado struck north Minneapolis, killing one person and damaging hundreds of homes.

The main tornado news of the day? FEMA has denied a request for individual assistance to those affected by the storm.

FEMA said the decision was partly based on the outpouring of volunteer help offered to local residents. As it turns out, city officials had sent out a new request for volunteers a few hours before the decision was announced. That's some seriously awkward timing.

Here's the info about the latest volunteer effort.

The city is organizing two "Clean Sweep" days to help north Minneapolis residents load storm debris onto trucks. The cleanups are scheduled for Sat., June 18 and Sat., June 25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city is asking for 200 volunteers each day, split into two shifts (8 a.m. to noon and noon to 4 p.m.).

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, able to lift at least 40 pounds, and should wear thick-soled shoes or boots. The city will provide food, work gloves and protective eye gear.

To sign up, call the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department at 612-673-2243.

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