Olathe Snow Brigade: 40 Volunteers Clear 100+ Driveways

While most people groan at snowfall, volunteers in Olathe, Kansas, see it as a chance to serve their neighbors who need help most.

The Olathe Snow Brigade springs into action whenever more than two inches of snow hits the ground. Volunteers pair up with elderly residents and people with disabilities, clearing driveways, stairs, and sidewalks so everyone can safely access their homes.

This winter, 40 volunteers shoveled for more than 100 people. Some volunteers tackled six to eight homes in a single day, treating it as both a workout and a way to give back.

"It's fun just to help people and lend a hand when we can," said Chris Pselos, who has volunteered with his 14-year-old son Henry for four years. They cleared six properties in one day, including the home of a woman on oxygen who can't risk going outside in the cold but needs her caretaker to reach her safely.

The program has been connecting volunteers with neighbors for more than 15 years. What started with just two or three shovelers has grown exponentially every year.

Cody Kennedy, public information officer with the City of Olathe, said the community looks forward to snow season. "Not because of the plowing and all that kind of stuff, but to see community get together and making sure they can rise above the elements," he explained.

The Ripple Effect

Young Henry Pselos shows how volunteering creates lasting change. The teen said helping with the Snow Brigade inspired him to volunteer in other ways, including at the Kansas City Automotive Museum. "It brings me joy in just knowing that we can help out people," he said.

The need keeps growing. Despite helping more than 100 people this season, 90 more neighbors remain on the waiting list. The brigade welcomes anyone willing to grab a shovel and spend a few hours clearing paths.

Henry's advice for potential volunteers captures the spirit perfectly: "If you feel cooped up during the winter and you have nothing to do and you have a kind heart and want to do some stuff, then do the Snow Brigade."

Similar programs are spreading across the Kansas City area, including Snow Squad in Shawnee and Snow Angels in Kansas City, Missouri, proving that a little shoveling can build stronger communities one driveway at a time.