LENDING A HAND – Marysville, Mich.
Leadership realized that a snow-removal ordinance passed last year would create challenges for elderly and disabled residents, so the city found a creative solution.
?As a city we realize there are some that are unable to take care of this [requirement that snow be removed within 24 hours of a storm],? says Stefanie DeNardin, the head of Marysville?s Parks and Recreation Department. ?So we asked for residents to volunteer their time? to lend a hand to those unable to clear the snow themselves.
DeNardin says the city has about 40 volunteers willing to help this season. ?They come from local businesses, church groups, high school sports teams [and the] National Junior Honor Society,? she says, adding that some of the volunteers have no affiliation, and are simply acting out of kindness. A call was put out via local media, and volunteers signed up with the parks and recreation department.
The city acts as the facilitator of the program. Elderly or disabled residents are encouraged to call the parks and recreation department and provide their addresses so they can be placed on a master list. When the storms come, volunteers who live close by are contacted and dispatched to remove the snow. Volunteers provide their own equipment, so the program operates at no cost to the city.
DeNardin says about a third of Marysville?s population is elderly, ?so we feel [the program] would be a big help to them throughout the winter months.? Though this winter has been relatively mild in the city, ?we have all the volunteers in place – ready to help whenever needed,? she says.