Franken tours north Minneapolis

U.S. Sen. Al Franken got his first taste of the damage caused by Sunday's tornado when he visited the area Friday.

Franken said he was impressed by the work already done to rebuild the neighborhood.

"I had kind of a windshield tour of this area. And I also saw - I obviously saw pictures of the day after. And an incredible amount of work has been done. And I want to thank you. All of the volunteers here for doing spectacular work."

The tornado generated winds of more than 100 miles an hour and caused major damage to homes and trees in some of the most impoverished parts of the north side.

Minneapolis city officials are encouraging people to sign up for a large single-day volunteer effort scheduled for June 4.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is encouraging people to volunteer. The mayor thanked the thousands of people who've already helped clear away downed trees and housing debris but added there's still a lot left to do to help get north side residents back on their feet.

Rybak said people can call 311 to find out what they can do.

"We'll then take your number and connect you up with the services and the needs that we have," Rybak said. "Right now, people are going door-to-door to assess all the needs of the individual homeowners. And one of the things that's been incredibly powerful is that the homeowners in this area already know that people have done great work and people care."

The American Red Cross has also moved displaced residents from a shelter at the Northeast Armory to North Commons Park in north Minneapolis. Red Cross officials say they don't need volunteers, but are accepting donations.

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