BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 September 18, Wednesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
As winter approaches, a local resident is taking steps to ensure that Blair’s most vulnerable citizens aren’t left out in the cold. Jon Randall is spearheading a volunteer snow removal service aimed at helping seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans in our community.
The initiative, which builds on Randall’s individual efforts over the past couple of years, will cover residential areas within Blair city limits, focusing on basic city lots. Randall explains his motivation: “I love our town and I know we have a ton of good people here that are willing to jump in and help.”
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate. Randall clarifies, “no age restrictions as long as they can get a ride to and from.” Equipment needs are flexible, with Randall stating, “I have some extra equipment but if anyone has their own blowers, shovels, plows etc, we could use all the help we can.”
The service will commence “when the snow starts flying and its cold enough that it doesnt melt by the next day,” according to Randall. The frequency of help needed will depend on snowfall throughout the winter.
For those interested in volunteering or donating equipment, Randall has made it easy to get involved. “People wanting to volunteer can contact me via Facebook, call/txt, or email and I’ll get them added to the list!” he explained. Randall can be reached at 402-214-8298 or jrandallphoto1@gmail.com.
Blair residents enthusiastically supported Jon Randall’s snow removal initiative. Jim Erwin, a “crippled retired vet,” volunteered, saying he’s “already doing about 5 or more widows every snow” and has “been praying for help to do more.” The initiative resonated with those who’ve struggled, like Lynne Juracek who shared, “This is great! I don’t work and had to lay for snow removal last winter for the first time. It’s expensive!” Community members suggested expansions, with Sara Moore Kirkpatrick proposing neighborhood-based efforts, to which Randall responded, “thats the idea i was hoping to build up to!!” Others offered equipment and support, like Austin Goforth who mentioned, “I’ll have a 4wheeler with plow this year…let’s talk about it man. Love this,” while Christine Solomon suggested coordinating with local services like Meals on Wheels to identify those in need.
Seniors, disabled individuals, or veterans in need of assistance can use the same contact methods to request help. Randall emphasized, “This is the first year I’m doing this with a group, I’ve done it by myself the past couple years just to help out a few people. So, organizing and how we can make this work is still in the planning stages. I don’t run a business, and I work a full-time job so this is just my way of giving back to the community and doing what I can to keep our town connected and strong.”
As for the logistics of matching volunteers with those needing help, Randall admitted, “I’m still working on how I’m going to match everyone up, hoping that people can help out their neighbors!”
Volunteers are advised to come prepared for the weather. Randall suggests, “dress warm, wear gloves, mask and even goggles help!”
This community-driven initiative reflects a growing need in Blair, as Randall noted, “I’ve noticed over the last couple years, it seems there have been more and more posts on here with our towns seniors that can’t afford to pay the climbing rates of snow removal on top of everything else in this economy.”
Randall is clear about the volunteer nature of the service, stating, “I will not accept any money for this from anyone. If you have kids that want to help and the home owners want to tip then im good with that but this is strictly volunteer to help out the community.”
As Blair prepares for another Nebraska winter, Randall’s initiative promises to bring warmth to our community, one driveway at a time.
For more information or to get involved, contact Jon Randall at 402-214-8298 or jrandallphoto1@gmail.com.
there area lot of elderly at country estates also