Volunteers Needed to Help OKC Disabled, Elderly Residents

NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - Several area charities are teaming up to find volunteers to help clear snow from walkways and driveways of homebound, disabled or elderly residents of Oklahoma City.

Some metro residents haven't even been able to get their cars out of the driveway. The snow and ice is making it hard for elderly and disabled citizens to leave their homes.

The United Way, Heartline 211 and the city of Oklahoma City are recruiting volunteer groups to shovel snow and ice from the driveways and sidewalks of those who cannot do it themselves.

Metro residents are digging themselves out from under the snow and ice that pounded the city on Christmas Eve.

Dick Goad hasn't left the house since and he says he could shovel the driveway but his family won't let him.

"I'm only 83, but the kids say, 'Don't do that Daddy', but somebody's got to do it," Goad said.

He's lucky to have neighbors who look out for him.

A man volunteered and is clearing the 83-year-old's driveway. The city needs more neighbors to offer a helping hand.

At the Heartline 211 call center calls are coming in from those who are stuck inside their homes, but not enough from groups that can volunteer their services.

"We are needing organizations, faith-based groups, services groups that are willing to kind of help their own neighbor to volunteer to shovel some of the snow and ice that is still left from the snow storm," Tom Taylor with Heartline 211 said.

Their focus is to help the elderly and the disabled. But, the organization stresses that it cannot assist everyone.

"Watch out for your neighbor," said Taylor. "If you know someone who is elderly or disabled and you haven't seen them get out of the house, just check on them."

Goad is thankful his neighbor did.

"These guys are helping us with the driveway," said Goad. "It's supposed to snow in the next two or three days and so I don't know how long we will be shut in, but I probably got groceries enough for a month, so we're OK."

Organizations should designate one person to call Heartline 211 and register their team. Volunteers will be dispatched by Heartline in pairs and will need to provide their own equipment. 

"In order to keep the project manageable we are not able to accept individual volunteers at this time," said United Way Senior Vice President Blair Schoeb. 

"We hope to help everyone who needs it, but will be limited in terms of volunteers."

Residents are also encouraged to check on their homebound or elderly neighbors. A snow-covered walkway or home without illuminated lights could indicate a person inside may need assistance.

If your neighbor needs immediate medical help, call 911. If they are in need of health and human services, such as food or heat, call HeartLine 211.

"Freezing weather and immobility pose special problems for many of our residents. We all need to work together to ensure our neighbors are safe during extreme weather conditions," said Schoeb.

Heartline 211 Web Site