Cuomo Launches 'Labor For Your Neighbor' To Help Irene Victims
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYorkAP) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo is launching a "Labor for your Neighbor'' effort on Sunday and Monday to encourage New Yorkers to help their neighbors digging out from Tropical Storm Irene.
"In village after village and town after town, we have witnessed the wonderful spirit of New Yorkers turning out to help others in need, " said Cuomo. "We've given it a name, but there is no copyright on the kindness of friends and neighbors."
The state has created a website to help organize efforts at specific sites. Volunteers can get more information by clicking here.
The Schoharie Valley, Catskills and Adirondacks, where some of the worst flooding, happened will be targeted.Volunteers will be safely shuttled into villages needing assistance.
Cuomo says he will pitch in during the Labor Day holiday event to clean homes of muck and debris. He urges New Yorkers who can't participate to send a check to a United Way disaster fund set up for Irene victims upstate.
"There are a lot of people who want to help, I encourage it. I will be part of it, I will be there, and I encourage other New Yorkers to join us," Cuomo told 1010 WINS.
Cuomo says Wal-Mart, Home Depot and other stores are donating mops, buckets and other materials.
The National Guard and State Office of Emergency Management will supervise the effort.
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