DeKalb residents volunteered to fill sandbags Thursday for distribution throughout the community in light of its flooding issues.

“We’re filling bags,” said first ward alderman David Jacobson. “We’re getting them tied up; we’re getting them palleted so they can be delivered all over town in the low-lying areas where they need them.”

Volunteers gathered to the Water Resources Division, 1216 Market St., to fill sandbags and load them on to vehicles. The sandbags are used to block encroaching flood waters. Residents were allowed to pick up sandbags for their own use.

Several NIU students volunteered their time to help their community.

“I really appreciate the students coming out under short notice,” said Delonte LeFlore, senior organizational communications major and Student Association president. “I also think that it is very interesting that we can start NIU Cares Day 48 hours early. It’s good to really see the partnership between the university and DeKalb.”

LeFlore said 60 to 75 students volunteered throughout the day. Sand-bagging took place between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday.

“They’re keeping up a good pace,” said Rodger Neumann, crew leader for DeKalb Street Operations.

Sand was purchased from the Larson Quarry, 15622 Barber Greene Road in Sycamore, by the city of DeKalb.

“The river’s not supposed to crest until overnight, so it’s going to get worse,” said Fire Department Lt. Luke Howieson.

Howieson said the city had the flooding under control and there was a sufficient number of sandbags. Leftover sandbags will be stored for future use.

Howieson said the most significant flooding occurred on Taylor Street, near the Ashbury Court Apartments, 827 W. Taylor St.

“Having the volunteers is a major help,” Howieson said.