Oakland honors scouts and volunteers for winter 'Shovels for Seniors' effort

Oakland officials on May 12 recognized local Boy Scout troops and adult volunteers for their work in the borough’s Shovels for Seniors program after an unusually heavy winter.

“Volunteers played a critical role in helping keep some of the most vulnerable residents in our community safe, mobile, and connected to the community,” said the senior services representative (speaker 5) during a presentation in council chambers. The program, the representative said, helped residents who are no longer physically able to shovel or who cannot afford paid assistance; volunteers cleared driveways and walkways after storms that totaled more than 40 inches this winter.

Scout master Jonathan Allen (speaker 6) thanked adult leaders and parents for coordinating efforts and noted scouts and adult volunteers responded quickly after each storm. “It was really meaningful for community service, getting out there and talking to people and making direct impact in their lives,” Allen said.

Council members presented certificates to scouts and adult leaders and asked the public to applaud the volunteers. The council’s recognition was part of the meeting’s opening agenda and preceded a later discussion about municipal business.

The Shovels for Seniors program is operated through Oakland’s senior services office and depends on volunteers and families who travel between houses to help during and after storms. No new funding decisions were announced at the meeting.