Katrina volunteers' work worth millions

VIOLET, La., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A federal report estimates the work volunteers have contributed since Hurricane Katrina is worth $263 million to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

The Corporation for National and Community Service said about 550,000 people volunteered in the first year after the 20005 hurricane and 600,000 in the past year, The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reported.

"The generosity of the American people has been overwhelming," said Donald Powell, the federal coordinator for rebuilding the Gulf Coast.

Powell spoke at a news conference at Beauregard Middle School in Violet. The school has been converted into the new Camp Hope, providing temporary housing for 200 volunteers a week. The previous Camp Hope was a nearby elementary school.

Sandy Scott, a spokesman for the corporation said a similar level of volunteer effort will be needed for another eight years. But he said the tasks needed will shift from rebuilding to medical care, tutoring and similar tasks.