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October 6, 2008

Sabine Pass cleanup set for Saturday

Mary Meaux

The outpouring of help for Bridge City during the recent Mid-County Kindness will be repeated in the Sabine Pass area on Saturday.

With more than 200 homes in Sabine Pass either damaged or completely destroyed volunteers are needed to remove debris and salt grass. Residents are preparing to live in tents, travel trailers and mobile homes until they can rebuild but help is needed to clear the property.

Check-in begins at 8 am. Saturday, Oct. 11 and work begins at 9 a.m. Pam Trosclair of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce is heading up the volunteers. The groups are tentatively set to meet at the football stadium.

The idea of the cleanup came from a conversation between Sabine Pass Principal Kristi Heid, Adam Saunders, a Sabine Pass resident and director of the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, Chamber President Mary Ann Reid and Trosclair.

“It’s bad. People just don’t realize how bad it is there,” Trosclair said.

Trosclair said many residents in Sabine Pass do not have electricity or water. Debris must be removed in order for infrastructure to be put in place for a tent or trailer, she added.

Saunders’ home was completely destroyed, his roof lay across the street from the shattered remains of his home. Personal belongings, appliances and other items were strewn by the flood waters.

Heid, who lives across the street from the school, returned to a severely damaged home. Her kitchenware was scattered across her yard and the highway and her home gutted.

Those wishing to participate in the cleanup are asked to bring boots, gloves, sun screen and bug spray. Home owners have given permission for volunteers to enter the property. If the homeowner is not available, then a student representative will escort the group to the address.

Officials are not taking donations of clothing at this time due to limited space.

Supplies needed include:

• Wheelbarrows

• Ropes

• Yard tools

• Pitch forks

• Rakes

• Small barbecue pits

• Small bags of charcoal

• Charcoal lighter

To volunteer, call Trosclair at 963-1107.

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