TOLEDO, Ohio — From Toledo's roadways to sidewalks to walkways and driveways, not everyone is physically able to grab a shovel and get clear snow. So, the city of Toledo brought back its Snow Angels Shoveling Program to assist older residents and those with disabilities.
The program was made for people like Katie Shelley, a west Toledo resident.
"I am a wheelchair user and I cannot shovel my driveway or my ramp by myself," Shelley said.
She said her parents help her keep up with maintenance around the house, but they are growing older and she doesn't want to rely on them for every single thing. Now that the snow angels have returned, Shelley iss appreciative of her first year in the program.
"It gives me independence," she said. "I know if I need to leave my house, to go to work at the Toledo Museum of Art, I can do so now. My sidewalk, my driveway, and my ramp are all clear."
Program participants are paired with a snow angel volunteer to clear their property. Shelley's angel is Sam Harden.
"The city is only as good as the community we build here," Harden said. "This is a great way to build the community. Coming out here to help out your neighbors, there's nothing better to do with your time."
Residents in need of an angel can ask the city for help. Then, an angel signed up for the program -- typically an area neighbor -- is assigned to the resident. Anytime there's cumulative snow on the ground, the angels are asked to pick up their shovels and help their neighbors, all for free.
So far, Harden has shoveled Shelley's snow three times this winter season.
"Once I met Sam, met his kids, I was just super grateful," Shelley said. "Not only was it someone who was willing to me help out, but more than willing to go above and beyond and I can't say thank you enough."
Harden's charitability came from his mother and is a quality he hopes to pass down through generations.
"Ever since I was a little kid, my mom, Bonnie Harden, had me start volunteering and giving back to the community," he said. "I think it's a great way to build the community and I wanted to teach it to my sons here too."
According to the City of Toledo's website, they're currently unable to match any more angels to shovel. But, the city also offers other options for snow removal for those who need it.