OPERATION SNOW BANK LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

The City of New Bedford is looking for volunteers for the OPERATION SNOW BANK program. Operation Snow Bank is a neighborhood-based program that links volunteer snow removers (Snow Angels).with qualifying people with disabilities who need snow removal services for their walkways and stairs. This program is sponsored in part by the New Bedford Commission for Disabilities, the New Bedford Council on Aging, the GIVing Network, and the City of New Bedford.

Operation Snow Bank will be activated for storms that accumulate 3 or more inches of snow. Once a Snow Angel match has been identified, a letter will be sent to the homeowner. Residents must understand that volunteers are not always able to assist in the morning, and can only commit to helping at the soonest convenient time. Priority for snow removal services goes to seniors and disabled residents who meet the following criteria:

• Filled out an application for the program
• Have a documented disability
• Owns the home in which they reside
• Are unable to remove snow by themselves and have no family members who can assist.

What are the Snow Angel's responsibilities?

• Be willing to commit to assist an elderly or disabled neighbor who is not able-bodied enough to shovel their walkway / staircase.
• Be responsible for shoveling stairways and pathways to vehicles. Driveways are not required but may be done for residents on a case-by-case basis.

To be a Snow Angel, volunteers must....

• Be able to provide own transportation and equipment (shovel and gloves)
• Be aged 15 or older (those under 18 must have parental consent to participate)
• Be available on short notice and be willing to shovel when there are 3 or more inches of snow

 Volunteers participate in the program at their own risk. Only people healthy enough to meet the physical demand of shoveling snow should apply.

Interesting in becoming a Snow Angel?

Click here for a volunteer application package, and return the completed forms to: