Wayne County Volunteer Response Center To Open Friday

"We will connect people to the volunteer agencies that need them," saidVolunteer Wayne/RSVP director Barbara Stiles. "They can just call us andwe'll find something that fits their abilities and at the level theywant to be involved."

Mrs. Stiles encouraged Wayne County residents to check on theirneighbors, especially the elderly, both before the storm hits and after,as their first volunteer action.

She also emphasized that people should not take on tasks for which theyhave no experience or training, such as operating equipment with whichthey are not familiar, and they avoid exceeding their individualphysical limits.

"We don't want anyone to be overtaken by enthusiasm and end upinjured by a chainsaw or by moving too heavy an object," Mrs. Stilessaid. "Your safety as a volunteer, whether you're just helping thelady across the street or working with a crew to clear a road, must comefirst."

The purpose of the Volunteer Wayne/RSVP Hurricane Isabel VolunteerResponse Center is to match volunteers with organizations. Anyoneneeding assistance should contact the appropriate governmental orcommunity agency.