PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield seeking volunteers for its third annual Snow Angels program.

 

The city created this program to help community members who have difficulty cleaning up sidewalks after a big snowstorm.

 

"It was created back in 2023 to help meet the need of those who live in our city, whether they're seniors, individuals with disabilities, or maybe they have limited mobility or don't have the financial means to hire someone to assist them with snow removal," said Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer Vanbramer.

 

Residents and businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of their properties in a timely manner. VanBramer said some homeowners may not have the means to do that and would call the city for help.

 

"The program kind of came out of it's always been the responsibility of property owners in the city to clear their sidewalks from snow within I believe it's 24 hours of snowstorm," she said. "So when winter approaches, we've been receiving phone calls and emails from seniors or the other individuals I mentioned, looking for assistance with snow removal."

 

The program is solely based on volunteers.

 

"We're trying at this moment, we put out the call for volunteers. So we're really hoping to recruit as many volunteers as we can to get the program going for the third year," Vanbramer said.

 

Last year, the city was only able to get 10 volunteers and had 25 neighbors in need; the year before, there were 15 volunteers but 51 people who called for help. So not every resident in need was able to be matched.

 

"This program is really dependent on having volunteers," VanBramer said. "So if we don't have enough, we may not be able to match everyone, or even maybe not run the program, depending on how many we get." 

 

Volunteers are matched with a neighbor within a one-mile radius and who agrees to help remove snow within 24 hours of a snowstorm. The volunteers are required to bring their own tools to clear the snow.

 

"They kind of coordinate with their neighbor to figure out what needs they have, whether they need help plowing their driveway or shoveling a sidewalk, and they agree to help with whatever those needs are," Vanbramer said. "Within the 24-hour period, after a snowstorm or significant snowfall, I believe it's 6 inches or more of snow, they go out and help whoever they're matched with." 

 

It's important for snow to be cleared from pathways and sidewalks. Snow blocked walkways can be dangerous for residents and emergency response vehicles to help if needed.

 

"Emergency responders and mail carriers or other delivery workers need access to people's home they need to reach to do what they need to do, and so it the program really aims to promote safety in our neighborhoods and ensure that those folks are able to access people's homes when they need to and children can get to school safely."

 

The city is asking for volunteers. Currently they have about three people who have signed up and need more. Once they have more volunteers the city will put out a sign up for neighbors who are in need. VanBramer is hoping to see about 15 people before she puts out the call.

 

She has seen many volunteers come back to help and is grateful for their efforts.

 

"We've had a lot of incredible volunteers in the past who, I think signed up because they were really wanting to help neighbors in their area where they live," she said. "They don't often do it for like the recognition. They just want to assist members of their community and just lend a helping hand."

 

Volunteers must be 18 years and older and will be required to sign a waiver for safety guidelines and responsibilities. 

 

Those interested in becoming a Snow Angel are asked to contact VanBramer at jvanbramer@cityofpittsfield.org.