NORTHGLENN, Colo. -- Who really likes to shovel snow? It's a lot of work and to make matters worse, you have to do it out in the cold. And what do you do if you're a senior or someone with a disability? The City of Northglenn has come up with a solution.
For about the past 20 years, the city's Snow Stormers come out after each measurable snowfall and help clear the sidewalks and driveways for those who would have trouble doing it, like seniors and those with disabilities.
“A group of volunteers wanting to help families that are seniors or families that have special needs and are unable to shovel their sidewalks,” Northglenn Community Outreach Coordinator Jenni Murphy said of the program.
It not only helps these people get out, but avoid tickets for not shoveling the sidewalk. And many of the people out volunteering to shovel are in the department responsible for giving tickets and fines if residents who don't clear their property.
“This gives a good opportunity for us to get out and about to do something positive,” Northglenn Neighborhood Supervisor Tom Carlson said.
And those who get the help are very appreciative.
“Oh, it’s great. I mean, I’m at a situation where I can’t shovel snow anymore. Sometimes the neighbors help but sometimes they don’t so it’s really a great service that the city provides,” 87-year-old Northglenn resident Lou Tanko said.
This is purely a volunteer program done by the city. They've got 129 homes they take care of right now and a waiting list that grew after this most recent snowstorm.
The city is always looking for volunteers to help shovel in the program. Those interested should contact the city's Community Outreach Coordinator by calling (303) 450-8904 or emailing Jenni Murphy at
