Dozens of Modern Woodmen volunteers
clean up storm debris at Chippiannock Cemetery

On Saturday, Sept. 20, 37 Modern Woodmen of America and community volunteers donned work gloves and rallied with rakes and chainsaws to clean up historic Chippiannock Cemetery in Rock Island, Ill. In just a few short hours, these volunteers made a difference by raking leaves, cutting apart downed trees and dragging limbs and branches to the roads.

Modern Woodmen is coordinating this volunteer opportunity as a part of its sponsorship of “Plant A Tree Quad Cities,” and is donating up to 125 trees to local areas where trees were lost in storms on July 21. Nearly 1,000 people voted online and the location chosen to receive 75 trees was Chippiannock Cemetery at 12th Street and 29th Avenue in Rock Island. Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island, Ill., and John Deere Road, Moline, Ill., were also chosen to receive 25 trees apiece.

The next step of this project is planting the trees in October.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at least 75 volunteers are needed to work in groups to plant 75 trees at Chippiannock Cemetery, where 130 trees were lost in July. Instructors will teach proper tree-planting techniques to ensure the trees planted will thrive in their new environment. Modern Woodmen youth service club members will serve lunch to volunteers.

To volunteer, register online at www.modern-woodmen.org. Contact the “Plant A Tree Quad Cities Registration Desk” with any questions at 309-786-6481, ext. 7427.

Founded in 1883 as a fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen celebrates 125 years of serving members and their communities. The organization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.


Photos available for download
Submitted Photos - All photos courtesy of Modern Woodmen of America, taken at Chippiannock Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008

For additional information, contact Kim Woodward, (309) 793-5660.