Teens Tackle Snow for Neighbors in the Rivertowns

A group of teens has been helping people in the Rivertowns by shoveling snow for free.

Members of the St. Christopher’s Interact Club in Dobbs Ferry set out Saturday with shovels in hand to clear the accumulated snow from those who couldn’t manage very well.

Hastings-on-Hudson resident Donna Moss was one of the people who benefitted from the club’s kindness and hard work.

The 53-year-old broke her ankle a couple of years ago and can’t stand for long periods of time, and her husband has three herniated disks.

“In the past, we’d just grab whatever we could and try to do it ourselves,” Moss said. “But these kids were just amazing. They came and shoveled everything for me, free of charge.”

Stanley Thompson, recreation director of St. Christopher’s Inc., who was out with the club members, said it was a spur of the moment decision to pitch in helping the community.

“On Saturday, we gathered about five kids and just thought we’d walk around the community to see who needed help,” he said.

They removed the snow from five houses and three driveways Saturday and then went out Monday to see who else might need help.

St. Christopher’s is an organization dedicated to helping teens with emotional, behavioral and learning challenges across a broad spectrum. Its four campuses offer residential, educational, therapeutic, recreational and social services.

Thompson said some of the teens complained about the cold, but realized what they were doing was worth it.

“There’s no better reward than knowing that someone really appreciates what you do,” he said. “It teaches our kids consistency and respect.”