PORTLAND, Maine — Volunteers are needed in Portland to clear paths and sidewalks for elderly neighbors. The Age-Friendly Portland Steering Committee is looking to match volunteers with seniors in at least eight local neighborhoods.
Once that match is made the volunteer will be assigned to clear the sidewalks and paths surrounding the same home after each storm this winter.
People like Richard Leighton say they appreciate the help.
"Oh it's been terrific for me because unfortunately I'm 72 now and I've had some heart problems," he said.
The committee is looking to include more Portland neighborhoods this winter and is actively recruiting volunteers.
"This is just one of the many ways and services throughout Portland and Maine to help people be less isolated," said Alayna Mladucky, a volunteer coordinator.
Anyone who is interested can contact Linda Weare at the Portland Office of Elder Affairs by phone at 541-6620 or by e-mail at agefriendlycommunity@portlandmaine.gov.
There's a similar effort happening this winter in South Portland.
Since November, the Age-Friendly South Portland Committee delivered more than 250 sand buckets to homes across the city to help seniors and people with mobility challenges.
If people are interested in volunteering to help deliver sand buckets in South Portland they can call the public works office at 767-7635 or email publicworks@southportland.org. That's also the same contact information for those interested in receiving a new sand bucket or a refill.