Middletown Press Looks To Enlist Shovel Teams to Help Seniors

The Middletown Press published a story today about seniors stranded by snowy walkways.  If you are willing to help, please contact the people mentioned in the story.

Middletown police asks community to help dig out seniors trapped in homes

By Barbara Douglas, Middletown Press staff

MIDDLETOWN – Police are asking members of the community to step forward and volunteer to help shovel walkways and entrances to area seniors’ homes.

This past weekend, police told The Middletown Press, 12 senior citizens called police to report that they were trapped in their homes, unable to dig out of the snow.

But police are not able to come to the seniors’ aid as fast as they would like, Middletown Police Lt. Heather Desmond said Monday.

“In my 16 years here, I’ve never had someone call me and say, ‘I’m stuck; please help me,’” she said.

Desmond asks that anyone who can help those trapped in their homes to come forward and assist.

The Middletown Press is hoping to organize shovel teams of local volunteers to help with this effort.

Individuals or groups are welcome to participate. Call The Middletown Press at (860) 347-3331, ext 222 or 235 to volunteer.

The Middletown Press also invites elderly or disabled residents who need help in digging out to call the newsroom at (860) 347-3331, ext 222 or 235.

Middletown Police invite residents to call the department to request wellbeing checks on elderly and disabled neighbors. Call the police department at (860) 344-3200.