Volunteer group fights the recession

CASEY, Ill. (WTHI) - In a town of just 3,000 people, everyone is affected when jobs are lost.

Hundreds were out of work when places like Casey Tool and Machinery, located in Casey, Ill., closed up shop.

Rather than waiting for local government alone to act, the group Casey In Action is volunteering its time to clean up the town and hopefully bring new business to the area.

"Casey has had a slow decline over years," said organizer Traci Heffelbower. "A group of very concerned citizens came together and were airing their ideas on how to remedy this problem."

Organizers say, cleaning up downtown is the biggest project.

They say, if cleanup isn't for you, other groups, like the Playground Action Team or Humane Society Action Team, might be.

Heffelbower says, for years, Casey has felt an economic decline.

But folks are rolling up their sleeves before the recession hits them even harder.

"They love their community," said Heffelbower.

Click here to learn more about Casey In Action's volunteer program.