Community
Shovel It Forward: Coventry Students Helping Seniors
Saturday, October 31, 2026
As winter approaches, I've been working on an initiative that's especially close to my heart, called Coventry Students Helping Seniors — or as I like to call it, Shovel It Forward!
The idea is simple. Connect Coventry high school students with elderly residents who need a little help shoveling snow.
We have seniors in our community who live alone, have no family nearby, or simply aren't physically able to shovel anymore. Some are on fixed incomes and can't afford to hire someone.
For many of us, clearing a walkway is just another winter chore. For an elderly neighbor, it can mean the difference between safely getting out the front door and risking a serious fall.
I believe we can do something about that.
Giving Our Students a Chance to Give Back
My proposal would pair high school student volunteers with seniors in their own neighborhoods. Students would work in pairs, follow safety guidelines, and have their volunteer hours documented for possible school recognition, college applications, and scholarships.
And while the students would be helping our seniors, I believe they'd be gaining something just as valuable: an appreciation for the generations who helped build this town.
Sometimes showing up with a snow shovel can mean more than we realize. It tells someone they haven't been forgotten.
I Want to Hear From Coventry Families and Seniors
I'm working with the Senior Center and exploring how our schools can participate. There are still details and approvals to work through before the program can officially begin.
Right now, I'm looking to see how much interest there is from both students and seniors.
To parents: Would your high school student be interested in volunteering a little time this winter?
To our senior citizens: Are you 65 or older and could use some help clearing your steps or walkway? Or do you know a senior who might benefit?
I'd love to hear from you.
Interested? Please Reach Out!
Whether you're a parent with a student interested in volunteering or a senior who could use a helping hand, please complete my contact form and mention "Shovel It Forward": https://www.iannottiforri.com/contact
For now, we're gathering interest, not accepting official program enrollment. Please don't include sensitive medical or personal information in the form.
My hope is that we can start with snow shoveling this winter and eventually grow into helping with yard work and neighborhood cleanups.
I grew up in a Coventry where neighbors looked out for each other. Where lending a hand wasn't a big production. It was simply what you did.
That's something worth passing on to the next generation.
And if we can make winter a little safer for our seniors while teaching our kids the value of helping others, I think that's a pretty good start.