As folks across the area dig out from Thursday's snow, a few homeowners in Davenport are getting a little extra help from some "snow angels." It's through a new program that connects folks who may need help clearing their walks with volunteers, or snow angels, to do it for them.
For snow angel Mike Clifton, shoveling walks is a way to pay it forward.
"I grew up inner-city Davenport, all the way through elementary, junior high school, and I felt firsthand the impact of all the outreach programs," said Clifton.
Now, it's Clifton's chance to make a difference, too. When the snow stops, Mike gets busy clearing walks for elderly and disabled residents all across the city.
"I think it's wonderful. I have MS, and I have a brain tumor, so it's awesome that I have somebody that can come help me with the walks and stuff, so I don't have the chance of falling," said homeowner Kristin Myer.
But Mike can't do it all alone. As more requests for help come in, the need for snow angels is growing.
"Every time it snows, we get a little more activity, and we get a lot more phone calls, and it brings it to everyone's attention, and it's keeping the program growing," said Davenport Volunteer Connection coordinator Kim Hatfield.
Homeowners often warm their angels with coffee, hot chocolate and thank-yous. But for MIke, the gratitude's not what it's all about.
"It makes me feel so good because it's payback time for me, or pay it forward. It's just heartwarming to know that I can blend in with the rest of the Quad Cities' people here and show that I'm giving back part of what was given to me years ago," said Clifton.
If you'd like a snow angel to visit your house or you'd like to volunteer yourself, visit the Davenport Volunteer Connection's website or call 563-888-3200 for more information.