Plenty of Gulf volunteers, not enough work to do

By MARY FOSTER Associated Press Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Gulf of Mexico oil spill has brought out thousands of people who just want to help - though there isn't much for them to do unless they own a Hazmat suit.

Directors of charities and BP PLC - the company responsible for cleaning up the seven-week-old spill - say the outpouring has been huge among people with vivid memories of Hurricane Katrina five years ago.

However, cleaning oiled birds and tar-stained beaches isn't as straightforward as clearing rubble. In many cases, it's been difficult to find enough work for all the volunteers.

BP has said it will use only trained workers and professionals to clean up the oil and wash oiled wildlife, adding to the deepening frustration over the government and BP's response.