Title
Snow Angels Volunteer Snow Shoveling Program
History
The Village of Orland Park often receives requests from seniors and individuals with disabilities for assistance to remove snow from driveways and sidewalks during the harsh winter months. In response to this need, the Village desires to initiate the "Snow Angles Volunteer Shoveling Program".
This program will be similar to service offered by the cities of Highland Park, Evanston and Oak Lawn. Each of these communities teams up volunteers with seniors in need of assistance to remove snow on a volunteer basis. Residents are responsible for contacting volunteers directly to schedule snow removal.
Snow Angles will connect Orland Park residents with volunteers willing to shovel driveways and sidewalks for seniors and individuals with disabilities on a voluntary basis. Students, service organizations, scout troops, athletic teams, student activity groups, church groups and willing individuals are encouraged to be Snow Angels. Student volunteers may earn community service hours through their school as a part of this program.
Eligible residents will be provided with a complete list of available volunteers upon request. The resident will be responsible for contacting volunteers from the list and for scheduling services directly with the volunteer. The volunteer is responsible for completing the task, or notifying the resident if they are unable to complete the work.
Those wishing to sign-up for Snow Angels service, or to volunteer, can download the Request Form or Volunteer Form from the Village's website and submit this to snowangels@orlandpark.org, or mail the form to the Recreation & Parks Department.
As the recipient of snow removal assistance, the recipient affirmatively acknowledges that the snow shoveler is not an agent, servant, or employee of the Village and that the Village has not done a background check or investigated any of the individuals receiving or providing services under the Snow Angels Shoveling Program. The snow shoveler likewise acknowledges and agrees that he/she is not a Village of Orland Park employee and/or volunteer, but an independent volunteer and he/she will not receive any compensation of any kind. Both the recipient and the snow shoveler must agree to sign a release and hold the Village of Orland Park harmless from any and all claims which might be made as a result of participating in the program. Volunteers under the age of 18 will require a parents' signature.
The Village hopes this program will greatly benefit seniors and those with disabilities with a task that is difficult to complete on their own, while continuing to show the great volunteer spirit that is alive and well in Orland Park.
Financial Impact
No financial impact
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the creation of the Snow Angels Volunteer Snow Shoveling Program for Orland Park senior citizens and Orland Park individuals with a disability that are unable to shovel snow from their residence.