Southern Illinois residents affected by the January 2025 ice storm may soon receive assistance with the cleanup of widespread storm damage. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) in partnership with Serve Illinois has announced the launch of a volunteer program aimed at helping residents remove fallen tree limbs and debris caused by the storm. The initiative is focused on Saline, Jackson, and Williamson Counties, which were among the hardest hit by the severe weather.
Volunteers are needed from Friday, January 24, to Friday, February 7, 2025. Individuals 18 years and older are encouraged to volunteer, particularly those with chainsaws or chainsaw operators, as well as those willing to carry and clear tree limbs and other storm debris. The program’s goal is to support affected communities by providing manpower to clear hazardous debris from public and private properties.
Interested volunteers can sign up online through the Southern Illinois Winter Storm Volunteer Sign-Up page. For those who need assistance filling out the sign-up form, the City of Carbondale offers support and can be reached at 618-457-3275. The City of Carbondale, led by Mayor Carolin Harvey, has teamed up with IDHS-Serve Illinois to coordinate this effort, with backing from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and Illinois Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
This collaboration reflects the collective response to the significant damage caused by the ice storm, which affected power lines, trees, and other infrastructure across the region. Volunteers play a critical role in restoring normalcy to the community, and their efforts will make a significant difference in the recovery process.
By enlisting community support and resources, the program aims to provide much-needed assistance to those who have been impacted by the ice storm, helping them recover more quickly and safely. The volunteer initiative also underscores the importance of community involvement in disaster response and recovery efforts.
