ALBION -- With flood warnings over the last week the Noble County Emergency Management Agency reached out to Chain O’ Lakes Correctional Facility requesting volunteers to fill sand bags.

Ten offender volunteers spent six hours on Saturday filling over 1502 bags of sand totaling 28 tons.

Warden Charles Bowen said "The Chain O’ Lakes offender volunteers were thankful for the opportunity to help and give back to the local community."

Several pallets were loaded with sand bags for delivery to impacted areas so local residents could take what they needed to protect their property.

Other bags were available at the Noble County Highway Department as they were being filled.