Saintly City Snow Angels Seek Volunteers for Sidewalk Shoveling

The Saintly City Snow Angels, a volunteer organization dedicated to shoveling snow for those in need, is urgently seeking additional help following a significant snowfall in St. Paul, Minnesota. With more snow forecast for the coming weekend, the group is calling for volunteers to join their Facebook community and assist in clearing sidewalks and driveways for residents who require assistance.

Founded in 2020 by Heather Worthington and her husband, Chris Worthington, the initiative began in the Midway neighborhood after they noticed snow-covered sidewalks posing challenges for residents. “We need angels. We need shovelers,” Heather Worthington stated, emphasizing the simplicity of the task. “All you need to do is watch the page, and if you see someone who posts that they need help near you, and you can go out and help, then you go out and help.”

Initially starting with just 50 members, the group has grown substantially and now boasts over 1,500 members. Their mission has expanded from serving the Midway area to encompass all neighborhoods in St. Paul. The primary goal remains to assist the elderly and less-abled residents in maintaining safe and accessible sidewalks.

How It Works

The process for requesting help is straightforward. Residents in need can post a message on the group’s Facebook page, specifying their location. For instance, one recent post stated, “Looking for snow help in the area of West 7th and Forbes Avenue. Thanks so much.” Within hours, a volunteer responded, eager to assist.

Heather Worthington chose Facebook for its accessibility, particularly for older individuals who comprise a significant portion of the service users. “It’s a very user-friendly interface, especially for elderly people,” she explained. Organizations that support seniors, such as Midway Elders, often share requests for help on the page, ensuring that those without online access can still receive assistance.

Moderators, including Melissa Wenzel, Nikita Godette, and Becky Graham, actively engage in connecting volunteers with those in need. Wenzel emphasized the importance of normalizing the act of asking for help, stating, “We assume people ask for help because they need it, but there’s a lot of different ways or reasons why somebody might need help.”

Community Impact

The impact of the Saintly City Snow Angels is evident in the diverse range of individuals seeking assistance. Some members include those with medical conditions, such as heart disease, and others who require snow removal for necessary deliveries, including oxygen tanks. One volunteer shared that some participants even borrow shovels to contribute, underscoring the community spirit inherent in this initiative.

One of the standout volunteers is Crystal Heflin, who travels from Waseca to help. She regularly clears snow for numerous homes in her former neighborhood, noting, “It’s good for my mental health.” Newcomer Aman Imani expressed his satisfaction after aiding nine people on his first day, saying, “I’m happy to be a snow angel! Today was my first day out as a snow angel helping folks around the city, and it was so gratifying.”

Local groups, such as the wrestling team from Saint Agnes School, also contribute by shoveling in their neighborhood after practice, illustrating a collective effort to assist those in need. Dean Cummings, the assistant coach, highlighted their commitment to community, stating, “People live by our school. They’re a part of our family, too; we need to take care of them.”

Heather Worthington believes the Snow Angels are particularly vital in today’s society, where neighborly connections have dwindled. “Part of the reason I started this was that I wanted my neighbors to meet each other and know each other,” she remarked. The initiative not only addresses practical needs but also fosters relationships among community members.

Residents in St. Paul interested in receiving help or those who would like to volunteer are encouraged to search for the Saintly City Snow Angels on Facebook. The program stands as a testament to the power of community and the willingness of individuals to support one another during challenging times.