Bobcat volunteers worked with OBI teams to shovel out mud, remove ruined water heaters, rip out carpeting, and haul away hundreds of pounds of debris from homes.

LINTON, North Dakota - When it comes to flood recovery efforts, OBI’s disaster relief team needs to move mountains.

Of debris, that is.

Earlier this week, a team of volunteers from Bobcat Company, a construction equipment manufacturer headquartered in Fargo, ND, came out to aid OBI’s flood relief efforts.

Six volunteers from Bobcat’s factory in Bismarck arrived in the small, rural town of Linton, where dozens of elderly and disabled residents still need help cleaning out their flooded homes.

Braving icy temperatures, Bobcat volunteers Dave Piatz, Doug Krick and Brian Schoepp spent a full day working side-by-side with OBI teams to shovel out buckets of mud, remove ruined water heaters, rip out carpeting, and haul away hundreds of pounds of debris from homes.

“It was great to see the depth of compassion Bobcat and these volunteers shared for the people of Linton and an incredible blessing to have them partner with us,” said Jody Herrington, OBI’s director of U.S. disaster relief.

In anticipation of the thousands of homes that may be flooded, OBI staff are taking steps to plan recovery efforts, including assembling volunteer teams to help victims remove debris and clean out flood-damaged homes.

In this small, self-reliant farming community, it’s been difficult for residents to step forward and ask for help. But as OBI volunteers worked on one home, they were approached by Matt, an elderly man in his 70s who asked when they could come help him and his wife clean out their home.

 “I can’t do this by myself,” he said—and began to cry.

The Bobcat team showed up at Matt’s home, met him and his wife, and set to work clearing out their mud-and-debris-clogged home. Matt’s tears turned to smiles as he said, “This is an awesome day. Thank you for coming to help us out.”

“We really enjoyed working with them,” Herrington said. “Thank you, Bobcat,for helping us out!”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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