A little shoveling makes a big difference

Lisa Priest

Last winter, Howe resident Milissa Link looked out her window to find Will shoveling her corner lot. Will is a neighbor who volunteered for the 2025-2026 winter season through the Longfellow Community Council's (LCC) Shoveling Network.

For Milissa and her husband, both living with physical limitations, the help meant more than a cleared sidewalk.

"We have been looking to downsize and go maintenance-free," Milissa shared. "But today, for the first time, I thought maybe we could make it work and stay."

That's what the Shoveling Network is all about: neighbors helping neighbors stay safe, connected, and independent through Minnesota's snowy winters.

Shoveling leads to neighbor connectedness
For many of those paired up for the snow shovel program, the partnerships went beyond the winter months. Several participants have reported continued connections, inviting their volunteers over for a meal, or receiving help when needing help moving something heavy or climbing on to a ladder.

This year, LCC is looking for volunteers to support their neighbors in need. Volunteers commit to clearing a neighbor's public sidewalk throughout the winter. LCC helps coordinate introductions, establish communication, and arrange backup assistance when volunteers are away. LCC is planning a snow shovel kick-off party for volunteers, where snow shovels, beanies and Yaktrax will be handed out.

New this year, participants requesting assistance must be 65 or older, or have a disability or limited mobility that makes clearing the public sidewalk in front of their home difficult. Additional help with clearing private walkways and driveways can be discussed when paired up with a volunteer.

Whether you have a sidewalk that needs clearing or a little time and energy to share, the Shoveling Network is one way to make winter easier for someone nearby.

Registration for volunteers and participants closes Nov. 12, 2026.

Visit longfellow.org to sign up.