ST. LOUIS – FOX 2 returned to the Academy neighborhood, where we’ve taken you three straight days.

FOX 2 noticed one extraordinary constant—volunteers. Every day since the May 16 tornado, regular citizens have answered the call.

Like two families from Town and Country and Dardenne Prairie.

“It looks like they need tons of help, and I don’t think much has come yet, so we just thought this is what we could do to start our first day of summer,” said Katie Hirsch. “I just met a guy from Denver, Colorado.”

It’s Chris Dolan, who used to live in Richmond Heights. Dolan told FOX 2 he grew up in the area but was glad to return and help those in need.

“It’s City people, County people-we’re just people-just one group that wants to get stuff done and we don’t want to wait around for help,” Ali Rand said.

FOX 2 met Rand on Wednesday when she questioned the lack of government assistance. We returned Thursday to find government crews answering that concern with an impressive response by a forestry team.

“They’re here,” one resident said with joy.

During our third trip in three days on Friday, FOX 2 saw no government help around. 

The streets were mostly quiet again—except for the volunteers.

“I have no experience with construction or anything, but the least I can do is move some of the devastation off of their yard,” said Elise Thompkins, who just graduated college. 

The National Guard now has a place where you can dump it, but where do you even begin?

“You just start with a brick,” Thompkins said. “I get to go home, and I have a roof over my head, but these are my neighbors who don’t have a roof over their head.”

Like Curtis Elliott’s place. He showed FOX 2 inside where you could look up at a tarp covering the top of his building.

“To hear that some have traveled from states away to give us a hand in our time of need is definitely heartwarming,” Elliott said.

They hope to keep the momentum, fueled by how their lifting of debris is really lifting spirits.

“Every little bit helps and that’s what’s been inspiring me to keep going,” Dolan said.

The group we’ve seen the most are organized solely through social media. Individuals can just show up at the tents set up at Enright and Union and ask for an assignment.

For those who wish to donate or help those in need, visit here.