Milford looks for shoveling volunteers

MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Some folks in Milford are stepping up to help clear-off sidewalks around the city. The team approach is already having a big impact.

Last week's blizzard was a budget buster, perhaps nowhere more than in Milford.

"We had more snow than anyone else, really, in the whole tri-state," said Milford Mayor Ben Blake. "Thirty-eight inches descended upon us; it was a blizzard of massive proportion."

However, the best things in life, like volunteerism, are free. Case in point, as scores of folks answered the call Friday morning, to help clear city sidewalks.

"We need to get safe pathways to our schools, our bus stops, and our homes," said Mayor Blake.

"We haven't been in school all week, so I wanted to help our community out, do the best I can to make it happen, get us back to school," said Drew Derubeis.

People of every shape and size, even those barely the height of their shovel, or the snow.

"Would you rather shovel snow or be in school," asked News 8's Jeff Valin. 

"Be in school," replied Paige Jolley.

Including many of MIlford's off-duty firefighters and finest.

"I asked if anyone wanted to volunteer, and I expected to get 10 people, and as you can see I have 45, 50 police officers here on their own time," said Milford Police Chief Keith Mello.

Some people think everything happens for a reason. Well, maybe Mother Nature dumped so much snow on Milford because she knew that folks there have the spirit to help each other out and handle it.

"Milford has a great tradition of coming together in these types of times," said Mayor Blake, "and we already have hundreds here and we're hoping to get hundreds more."

All demonstrating that in trying times, the spirit to serve always picks up where budget dollars drop off.

"It's really important," said Julia Maurer. "I'm working toward Hours of Distinction, and it's just what I always do every year, so I might as well help out."

"Because I wanted to help," said Jolley.