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Buffalo's Snow Angel program asks for more volunteers

Snow Angel volunteers shovel sidewalks and walkways for neighbors over the winter.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A program in Buffalo's Parkside neighborhood is looking for more volunteers to be snow angels this winter.

The Snow Angels program started about eight years ago when neighbors in the Parkside Community Association noticed a need and decided to do something about it.

With temperatures in the 70s expected for Tuesday, you might not be thinking about shoveling snow, but the Parkside Community Association is busy recruiting snow angels.

"It's not too difficult to find somebody to plow your driveway, but it's very difficult to find somebody to do that other work, to get out of the truck and shovel the steps," said Susan Udin, Parkside Community Association Secretary.

So, to help this common problem, the Parkside Community Association set up the Snow Angels program. It pairs volunteers in the neighborhood with people who need that extra help shoveling.

"With some people, they've just gotten too old to feel confident doing it. Some people have an emergency like a broken arm, and they can't do it," said Udin. "People want to stay in their homes as they age, or when they have other physical problems, and this is one of the things that really makes it possible for folks to do that."

The Snow Angels clear the sidewalk, a path to the front door, and take care of the front steps and porch.

"We also provide ice melt compound so that that can be sprinkled on to prevent later icing up, and this is a program that's completely free to the users... and we're always looking for more volunteers," said Susan Udin.

The Parkside Community Association is also looking for someone to take over as the volunteer coordinator for Snow Angels next winter. This individual would spend this upcoming winter shadowing the current coordinator.

"I've been amazed at how many times I get 'thank yous' not just from the people whose houses we're helping, but from the volunteers themselves. So it's very gratifying," said Udin.

While this program is just for the Parkside neighborhood, the group said they are willing to help anyone start a Snow Angels program where they live. Individuals can contact the group via email at admin@parksidebuffalo.org or call 716-838-1240. 

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