FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Another Successful Year for Pawtucket’s Snow Shoveling Program
PAWTUCKET – With Spring approaching, Pawtucket celebrates the success of this year’s Youth to Senior Snow Shoveling program, which provided crucial assistance to residents in shoveling their driveways.
The success of the initiative was made possible through the generous support of our community partners. The City extends sincere appreciation to the program’s sponsors including Main Street Home Loans for contributing exclusive “Shovel Crew” hoodies, and DoorDash for providing incentives for the youth volunteers. Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation also donated shovels and gloves to be used by the student participants.
According to Director Mary Lou Moran, Pawtucket Division of Senior Services, it can be a real physical strain for older adults’ seniors when shoveling snow on their property. Shoveling can cause strain on the heart, back, and negatively impact certain medical conditions, especially for those over the age of 60. “The initiative had its beginnings in 2010 and it has grown over the last 15 years,” says Moran.
‘Pawtucket’s Snow Shoveling Program has enabled our older residents to remain connected and safe in the community,” adds Moran.
The Mayor assigned staff in his office along Senior Center, Leon Mathieu Senior Center to organize, recruit and implement this intergenerational program, she noted.
“The City’s commitment to this program is deeply rooted in the belief that fostering intergenerational connections and supporting older residents during the winter months is not only a practical necessity but also a heartwarming way to strengthen the community bonds between the youth and older City residents,” adds Mayor Grebien.
“Volunteering in your community is a great way to demonstrate how much of an impact one person can make in their respective neighborhoods. The simple act of assisting others can help you learn more about the importance of being civically involved,” the Mayor adds.
Chief Equity Officer Charles “Chachi” Carvalho called this year’s initiative a great success with many of the participating students shoveling multiple sidewalks. “I am so grateful for all the students who participated this year, the dedication from our students is just remarkable,” said Carvalho.
Several seniors shared their positive experiences with the program, showcasing its impact on the community. “The young student was extremely helpful and did a great job,” said Ethel Rodrigues, 70. “He saved me a lot of work having to shovel my sidewalk which at my age would have been quite a challenge,” she said.
Daughter Ann Augusto signed up her 91-year old father, Antonio Borges, after she saw details of the program posted on the City of Pawtucket’s website.“My brother and I live far away and it was difficult to get to his house to shovel especially during weekdays,” she said, to clear a pathway to his car. “Our student was very responsive and reliable and he went beyond what he was required to do,” adds Augusto.
The City of Pawtucket extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, partners, and volunteers for making the Youth to Senior Snow Shoveling program a success.
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