Hinsdale is again offering its snow shoveling referral program, which connects residents over age 60, or who have a disability, with volunteers willing to shovel snow for them.
Started in 2021 as a pilot program, it seems to be working well and growing in popularity, said Mike Hayes, Hinsdale’s Parks & Recreation superintendent.
“I think it’s fantastic,” he said. “I look at some neighbors who struggle with shoveling snow, and this gives people an outlet to get help from those who are willing to volunteer.”
Hayes said 34 residents reached out a year ago for help from 16 volunteers, most of whom are high school students.
“The number of people involved, both asking for assistance and volunteering, is increasing every year,” he said. “The village’s role is to allow those needing help and volunteers to connect, but it’s pretty much a self-running program.”
Ed Weingartner, an 84-year-old Hinsdale resident who has lived in the village for about 50 years, has taken advantage of the program for the past couple of years and is very thankful for it.
“It’s fabulous, great for guys like me,” he said. “It’s important that the village put this together, and it’s very well managed, but it’s up to me to pick and choose someone.”
The someone Weingartner connected with is Hinsdale Central student James Cubbin.
“He’s been great,” Weingartner said. “He does a great job. I’ve offered him $20 a couple of times, but he wouldn’t take it.”
Contact information for participating volunteers is shared with those in need of snow shoveling assistance, and residents will contact the volunteers directly when assistance is needed. The volunteer is responsible for either shoveling the snow or notifying the resident if they are unable to complete the work, Hayes said.
For those using the shoveling program, contact information for participating volunteers will be shared with them. The resident is responsible for contacting the volunteer and scheduling a time for shoveling. While it is a volunteer service and no payment is required, any compensation would be worked out between the parties, Hayes said.
He said the village does not conduct background checks on any of the participating volunteers, senior citizens, or persons with disabilities. Both parties should conduct their own interviews and/or reference checks if desired before agreeing to work with a particular client or volunteer.
Both those seeking shoveling help or interested in volunteering to do shoveling may fill out a form online at www.villageofhinsdale.org/snowshovelprogram.
“The success of this program will benefit seniors and those with disabilities, as well as highlight the volunteer spirit in Hinsdale,” Hayes said.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
