WASHINGTON — For those who live in聽District, it鈥檚 time to get that snow and ice off聽the sidewalk.
D.C. residents could face fines for leaving slippery walkways — but clearing those sidewalks is nearly impossible for some聽older citizens or those with聽physical challenges.
That鈥檚 why the city organizes the D.C. Citizen Snow Team, a group of good-Samaritans that shovels snow for the city鈥檚 most vulnerable residents.
鈥淲e鈥檙e shoveling homes for the people who need help, like the elderly, the people who can鈥檛 get out and about,鈥� says Heather Shaffer, a volunteer with World Mission Society Church of God. 鈥淓veryone needs their sidewalks shoveled.鈥�
It鈥檚 part of a program called , a citywide initiative aimed at getting people to give some time back to their community.
鈥淣ot only are they helping out their senior in need, but they鈥檙e giving back to the city as well,鈥� says Kristal Knight, Executive Director of Serve DC. 鈥淲e consider seniors and disabled persons part of our most vulnerable populations.鈥�
She says you can reach out to the if you know someone who is disabled and needs help shoveling their sidewalk and driveway. But if you鈥檙e a skilled shoveler and looking for a (feel) good workout, check out the — or just take a few minutes help a neighbor in need.
鈥淭he people that we help — they鈥檙e very old. They can鈥檛 hear. They can鈥檛 move. They don鈥檛 have a lot of visitors,鈥� says volunteer Jessica Sesson. 鈥淪o when we come to see them, they鈥檙e very excited to see us.鈥�
