Volunteers Needed For Return Of Aurora Snow Removal Program

AURORA, IL — After a successful pilot run last winter, Aurora is continuing its snow removal initiative to help senior citizens and people with disabilities this winter, officials announced Wednesday.

Before snow officially blankets Aurora in white, city staff is looking for volunteers to be paired with someone needing help. Operation Senior Shovel is open to 150 Aurora residents who meet several criteria, including the following.

• Aurora resident
• Senior Citizen age 60 and older
• Disabled or serious medical condition
• No other adults under the age of 60 living in the home are capable of removing the snow
• No other family member or neighbor available to assist with snow removal

Operation Senior Shovel will be activated once more than two inches of snow accumulate. When that happens, officials said "every effort will be made" to find a volunteer to help within 48 hours, beginning the morning after snowfall.

Residents requiring help can apply for the shoveling program on Aurora's website starting at 9 a.m. Dec. 13. Once approved, applicants will be notified by Dec. 17.

All volunteers — who can register here on Aurora's website — are asked to commit to helping for the duration of winter and will be assigned to specific houses for the season. Volunteers need their own snow removal equipment, but the city will provide salt to each approved house.

Residents with questions can email SeniorShovel@aurora.il.us for assistance.