OnFocus – Winter is here and the newly-founded Secret Snow Shovelers Society is looking to ease the burden of clearing snow during Winter.
The group was created by Mandi Chojnacki who has had this idea for years and says it’s all about giving back to the community.
“It was 1:30 in the morning and I couldn’t sleep and I had all these ideas going through my head about how to give back to the community,” Chojnacki said. “I was just trying to find a way that I can help the community overcome some adversity during this crazy time.”
Within a week of being created, the group already had eclipsed 100 members and Chojnacki says that the support for the group has exceeded her expectations.
“That was within six days or something like that since the group has been started,” Chojnacki said. “I am so pleased with the amount of volunteerism that’s out there and that has made this group what it is so far.”
According to the Facebook page, the groups of people that the Secret Snow Shovelers Society would like to help (but are not limited to) are the elderly, handicapped, disabled, essential workers, single mothers, military members or people with special circumstances that would keep them from being able to shovel their own snow.
People who are unable to shovel their own snow or pay for someone to do it are encouraged to reach out to the Secret Snow Shovelers Society. The group would like to limit the referrals they receive to homes within the City of Marshfield.
Chojnacki is a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard and says her experiences and time there has made her a very community-oriented person.
“Volunteer hours are something [the National Guard] likes to do,” Chojnacki said. “As a National Guard member, we give back to our state and give back to our nation.”
Chojnacki said starting this group has been rewarding for her because she enjoys the community aspect of it.
“This is something near and dear to my heart, just giving back so being able to start this group and get connected with people in the community and put some smiles on people’s faces and create some positivity—this is where all of my focus is and I’m so excited to be able to do this,” Chojnacki said.
If you are interested in giving the group a shoveling opportunity or joining the group, you can text Mandi at 715-897-0776. You can also send referrals to Deacon Ray Draeger via private message on Facebook.
If you are messaging Draeger on Facebook, the group would prefer that you leave your name, phone number, and address so shovelers can be notified where to go.
Author: News Desk
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