CLINTONVILLE, WI- A strong show of community support filled the Clintonville Public Library area Thursday as volunteers packed and moved hundreds of sandbags destined for flood-stricken and at-risk communities across the region.
Residents, local workers, and volunteers worked side-by-side through the day, filling sandbags that were later loaded for delivery to areas including New London, Fremont, Weyauwega, Shiocton, and other communities dealing with rising water concerns.
Members of our news team, Brad Williams and Evan Christman, also joined the effort on the ground, helping move and fill sandbags alongside community volunteers.
The motivation from those involved was consistent: helping neighbors wherever the need is greatest.
“Anything to give back to the community. It’s just community effort for sure. So whatever we can do to help,” one volunteer said.
Another added, “To help our community and our neighbors and other communities that need it because clearly we’re all going through a lot right now and it helps lighten the load for each other.”
Some volunteers said they had been working for days to keep up with demand.
“I did it four days in a row. Same bagging,” one participant said, while another, Gary Plante, simply noted, “I was proud to help you guys.”
The sandbags being filled in Clintonville are being distributed to several communities dealing with ongoing or anticipated flooding impacts. Volunteers said they first learned about the need through social media and quickly organized to help.
“We saw it on Facebook this morning that the PD was looking for help with sandbagging to get down to New London and other surrounding areas that need sandbags,” one organizer explained. “We grabbed a bunch of guys and came down here to help. Communities helping communities.”
A volunteer wearing a Manawa shirt also reflected on conditions in that area, noting that while things had stabilized somewhat after heavy activity the previous day, additional rainfall remains a concern.
“Manawa was very busy yesterday. They had about 150 people bagging. Things are pretty well under control right now, but with the excessive rain that’s intended to come yet, we don’t know what the result will be.”
Despite exhaustion and long hours, volunteers said the effort was worth it for the communities receiving the supplies.
The sandbag operation continued throughout the day as more materials arrived, with volunteers working to keep up with ongoing requests from surrounding towns facing flood threats.
Officials and volunteers alike emphasized the same message throughout the effort: communities standing together in a time of need.
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