FAIRBANKS — A Facebook page started by a teenage girl in Fairbanks is connecting stranded drivers to a group of volunteers who will help pull their vehicle out of a ditch at no cost.
The page, called “Fairbanks I’m Stuck Come Pull Me Out,” was started last year by 17-year-old Megyn Williams.
Williams said the page, which has more than 1,500 members, was initially intended for drivers who like to go off-road and find themselves stuck in muddy terrain.
“I had been stuck before and I noticed there was no group for people who were stuck. I thought, ‘Maybe I can create a page for that,’” Williams said.
With recent winter weather, the group of about 30 volunteers has been helping rescue vehicles stuck in the snow, The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported.
A snowstorm hit Fairbanks this past week, and the volunteer rescuers have been so busy they’ve stopped keeping track of how many vehicles they pulled out of ditches.
A look on the group’s Facebook page reveals several images of vehicles in ditches and posts from rescued drivers saying thanks.
Williams said she’s trying to raise funds for extra equipment, such as flares, emergency lighting and reflective vests, so the group can continue helping motorists. She has started a GoFundMe page, called “Fairbanks I’m Stuck Equipment Fund,” to support the effort.
The group is planning a Feb. 12 meeting for people who want to meet other members or join the group.
“I never imagined this group would grow like it did,” Williams said. “I just want to give a sincere thank-you to everyone for being a part of the group and for the members who have donated so much of their time and energy to helping our community.”
