Volunteers work to keep Altoona cemeteries maintained
ALTOONA - Several cemeteries in Altoona rely on volunteers to maintain its grounds.
But it appears there's not enough help to keep them maintained.
A portion of the Oak Ridge Cemetery is well kept. But further up the hill, the weeds are almost as tall as the headstones.
The names on the headstones are strangers to Matthew Lindsey. He doesn't have any loved ones buried at Oak Ridge. But after driving past the area again and again, he had to do something about the tall grass.
"It has to become a community effort, to take care of our loved ones," Lindsey said.
Lindsey's been trying to make a dent with the weeds. He's been mowing the grounds for the last several weeks.
"It got to the point where it was overwhelming and almost embarrassing," Lindsey said
But it's a massive undertaking. He estimates to clear just a small portion would take about six hours, even with 10 people.
That's why he has created a Facebook group called Care for Cemeteries in Altoona. It's a way for volunteers to organize. Lindsey hopes there will be enough people to volunteer every Saturday, and possibly Sunday.
Lindsey will be there, and so will the countless other volunteers working to make this cemetery a place of peace.
To learn more, click here.
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