Clearing snow to warm the heart: ways to give back this season
It’s a snowy winter day, and while many are at home staying warm, a local youth chooses to step outside into the cold long before most are awake. A Shovel-a-Stop volunteer still in high school, Brady takes to the street with his trusty red and black snow shovel, heading to a bus stop near a local elementary school.
“I clear the stop whenever it snows,” He shared. “My goal is to help keep the bus stops safe and accessible for everyone in our community.”
Brady began volunteering when he was old enough to walk to the bus stop by himself. He was determined to find a way to contribute to the community even while busy with sports and school.
“I like that my volunteer work helps to encourage public transportation and helps people with mobility challenges.”
Support from volunteers keeps our community safe. Shoveling snow at bus stops and sidewalks helps prevent slips and falls, increasing safety and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.
About 20% of over 550 bus stops in the city are cleared of snow through maintenance agreements between the city and RTD based on available resources. RTD and CU Boulder clear snow at 100 bus stops, city contractors at 40 locations and Shovel-A-Stop program volunteers at about 47 locations.
“Every time I shovel the bus stop, I know that I am making somebody's day a little bit easier.”
- High school student volunteerSome Shovel-a-Stop volunteers work full-time, some are kids, and some have lived in Boulder their whole life while others are new to town. What they all have in common is their desire to look out for their community. This winter, consider taking a little time out of your day to surprise and support your neighbors with an act of kindness.
Help clear snow at bus stops!
Make a difference with a helping hand and snow shovel! The program is a great opportunity for individuals, families, neighborhood groups and community organizations.
Want to clear streets and paths instead?
The city is hiring snowplow drivers. Steer snowplows like CTRL-SALT-DELETE, Not Snow Fast, Plowdactyl or one of our other community-named snowplows this season!