BonnerSprings.com

It was angels to the rescue last week as another snowstorm struck Bonner Springs.

That is, the Bonner Springs Snow Angels, a new program organized this year to connect volunteers with those in need of help getting their driveways and sidewalks cleared of the snow.

“I’m really excited about it,” said Barbara Bille, the city’s environmental codes enforcement officer who runs the Snow Angels program for the city, about the new program. “We’re trying to get more people involved and checking on their neighbors.”

By Thursday, Jan. 7, one day following the area’s latest snowstorm, Bille said she had already compiled a list of seven volunteers and about 25 addresses of those in need.

“It’s just going exceptionally well so far,” she said of the immediate response to the new program. “That’s been a big help to us.”

The idea for the Snow Angels program, Bille said, came through city manager John “Jack” Helin’s conversations with other Kansas City metro area officials and the struggles they’re facing as the snow continues to pile up.

In codes enforcing, Bille, who has been a Bonner Springs resident for 20 years, said she is usually on the unpleasant side of city relations. The program has been a nice change of pace, she said.

“It’s got people talking,” Bille said. “It’s thrilling for me to hear (those in need) so excited someone is checking on them. They wish someone had been doing it all along. It’s one of those feel good kind of things.”

A group of volunteers that was more than happy to jump at the chance to help has been Boy Scout Troop 149 and their leader Judi Klingele.

Klingele said the new program was a good fit for her Boy Scouts because they were able to use their Boy Scout outdoor skills and adhere to the organization’s motto: Do a good turn daily.

Klingele said the Boy Scouts organization tried to teach the youth involved that they needed to become an active member of their community and that they had a responsibility to give back.

“It was a good service opportunity for our boys,” she said. “This is something the boys can do to help give back to the community.”

Klingele’s son, a member of her troop, Jimmy Klingele, said he was happy to help and can often be found volunteering for his community.

“It’s always nice to give back to the community because they give so much to us,” he said.

Bille’s goal is to keep the program going throughout the current winter season, but also create a database of volunteers and those in need, so next year, the city is ready the first time snow hits.

She also mentioned she hoped the program sparked people thinking about neighbors helping neighbors throughout the year. Whether it’s snow or a fallen tree limb, Bille said living in a community is about helping others.

“Sometimes you get so busy in life, you don’t get a chance to get to know those next door to you that need some help,” she said.

As more storms are sure to occur in the coming winter months, those interested in volunteering to clear snow or those in need of assistance clearing snow are asked to call Bille at (913) 667-1718.

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