Twin Cities Volunteers Dig Out 139 Neighbors After Storm

After Sunday's heavy spring snow buried the Twin Cities, hundreds of Minnesotans couldn't shovel themselves out. Volunteers with shovels showed up instead.

Two volunteer groups are making sure no neighbor stays trapped at home. In St. Paul, the Saintly City Snow Angels have helped 139 people a total of 262 times this season, clearing driveways and sidewalks for seniors and people recovering from illness.

Melissa Wenzel, one of the group's administrators, says the need is overwhelming right now. "If I could personally help everybody who needs help, I'd be busy for about a solid week," she said.

Twenty-two people are still waiting for help after Sunday's storm. Volunteers connect through a Facebook group where neighbors can request assistance or sign up to shovel.

Across the river in Minneapolis, Sophie Su and Zach Navaro launched the Fulton Snow Angels this winter. The program partners with Minneapolis Public Works and received a $5,000 grant for safety equipment to protect volunteers.

Their team of 15 volunteers has already cleared 44 sidewalks, driveways, and paths in their first year. Su says they're meeting current demand but always welcome more helpers.

Both groups focus on keeping public sidewalks accessible and helping people who physically can't shovel. Many requests come from elderly residents or people dealing with medical recovery who would otherwise be stuck at home after major snowfall.

The Ripple Effect

These volunteer networks do more than clear snow. They create safer neighborhoods where everyone can get to medical appointments, buy groceries, and stay connected to their community.

The groups also show how simple grassroots organizing can solve real problems. A Facebook page, willing neighbors, and some shovels can make sure vulnerable residents aren't forgotten when winter storms hit.

As more snow heads toward Minnesota, both organizations continue accepting volunteer applications and help requests. The work is physically demanding, but the impact reaches beyond cleared driveways.

With winter showing no signs of quitting early, these snow angels prove that communities thrive when neighbors look out for each other.