City of Elgin, U-46 Team Up to Promote Sidewalk Snow Shoveling
The city of Elgin and School District U-46 have teamed up to promote sidewalk shoveling this winter with a new campaign, Sidewalk Heroes.
Sidewalk Heroes are individuals that want to help their fellow neighbors, by keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice this winter. Clearing the sidewalks can assist many people in your neighborhood, like children walking to and from school or their bus stop, the elderly, those with physical disabilities, mail carriers and meter readers.
“After receiving concerns from people who rely on sidewalks for getting around town, the city of Elgin and School District U-46 decided to create the Sidewalk Heroes initiative to positively reinforce the need to clear snow from sidewalks, fire hydrants and other access points,” said Elgin Councilman John Steffen. “I appreciate the work and creativity everyone from both organizations put into this effort.”
Elgin needs Sidewalk Heroes. There is currently no city ordinance requiring property owners to shovel, one good reason being that some people are not physically able to. So, the city asks for the cooperation and collaboration among neighbors to help keep the sidewalks clear. Sidewalk Heroes can be the champion of the block, clearing not just sidewalks, but also fire hydrants.
U-46 CEO Tony Sanders said he hopes that the initiative inspires residents of the 10 other communities served by the district to also be neighborhood leaders in keeping their sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
“Living in the Midwest in the winter can be challenging for all, but especially for those who need to spend time outdoors after snow falls and ice forms, including our students who walk to and from school, or to and from a bus stop,” said Sanders. “We appreciate all our community members who keep their sidewalks clear, and we’re hoping to inspire them to look for neighbors and areas that could use some extra help.”
Sidewalk Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds. They need not have a cape and mask, but if they do, it sure makes for a good photo.
“Elgin has always been a community that cares for one another and becoming a Sidewalk Hero is one more way residents can go above and beyond for their neighborhood,” said Mayor David Kaptain, “ Whether you are able to just shovel the extra stretch of sidewalk in front of your next door neighbor’s house or if you have a snowblower to hit the entire block, your efforts will make a difference.”
Become a Sidewalk Hero
If you are willing and able to help, become the Sidewalk Hero that your neighborhood or block needs. Clear sidewalks, especially around known bus stops and in front of elderly neighbors’ homes. Do you want to help but are not sure who might need assistance?
Contact Seniors Services Associates of Elgin at 847-741-0404 and they will help connect you.
Share Your Good Deeds
Share photos of your good deeds on social media with #SidewalkHeroes for a chance to win prizes, like stickers and long-sleeved T-shirts!
Make sure your post privacy setting is set to “public” so the city of Elgin and School District U-46 can find and maybe also share your photos.
Promote the Campaign
Not able to help, but want to help promote the campaign? Consider placing a yard sign on your property near the sidewalk, just not in the right-of-way. We’ll even deliver it to you; just call 311. The more awareness the Sidewalk Heroes campaign receives, the more likely Elgin is to build neighborhood pride and recruit Sidewalk Heroes.
For more information, visit cityofelgin.org/sidewalkheroes
About the City of Elgin
Nestled along the banks of the Fox River, Elgin is about 38 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and is home to more than 112,000 people. The growing city enjoys ready access to public transportation, diverse housing stock and a mix of commercial establishments. The city’s AAA bond rating is testament to its strong financial management and solid economic environment.
Many national and international businesses have taken advantage of Elgin’s close proximity to the Elgin-O’Hare Tollway and to the “Golden Corridor of Technology and Commerce” along Interstate-90. Elgin features a nationally acclaimed library system, an array of healthcare options and educational opportunities for all ages.
Residents and visitors enjoy a thriving cultural arts community, world-class parks, award-winning golf courses, historical museums and nearly 200 places of worship. This vibrant, diverse and volunteer-rich community is known for its strong history of civic engagement.
About School District U-46
School District U-46 serves families in 11 communities across 90 square miles within Chicago’s northwest suburbs, including Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, South Elgin, Streamwood and Wayne and portions of Carol Stream, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Schaumburg, and West Chicago.
The district is located in the Fox River Valley, approximately 45 minutes west of downtown Chicago, and includes communities within Cook, DuPage, and Kane counties. The majority of our towns and cities are easily accessible from major interstates and commuter rail lines.
More than 38,000 pre-schoolers through 12th graders attend the 57 district schools and programs.
The U-46 vibrant student population lists 103 home languages and more than half of our students are from Hispanic families.
