Saddle Brook Volunteers Bundle Up, Dig Out Neighbors

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. – As snow piled up in Saddle Brook Thursday, residents involved in the township’s new Community Partnership initiative sprang into action.

Andrew Ralicki, 15, shovels snow in Saddle Brook for a senior citizen. The senior is flanked by Saddle Brook Police Chief Robert Kugler and Mayor Robert White.
Photo Credit: *Robert White*

Saddle Brook volunteers dug out their neighbors as part of the township's new Community Partnership initiative.
Photo Credit: *Robert White*

Lauren Kidd Ferguson

02/09/2017 7:00 p.m.

The program – launched in December – has a mission to link vulnerable residents in need of assistance with resources and volunteers.

Thursday, five community members utilized the Partnership’s dedicated phone line to request help clearing their driveways and walkways of snow, Saddle Brook Mayor Robert White said.

Volunteers were dispatched to shovel out three residents, while neighbors stepped in to help the other two, he said.

"It's nice to see that the Community Partnership Program is serving an important purpose and that the systems put into place by the committee are working to help those residents in need of assistance," White said.

One volunteer who grabbed a shovel and pitched in was 15-year-old Andrew Ralicki, a member of the Community Partnership Club at Saddle Brook High School. Ralicki dug out a senior citizen on Fifth Street who was physically unable to shovel herself.

The resident was very appreciative of Ralicki’s help, and Ralicki said it made him feel good to help someone in need, White said.

To request assistance, ask questions or volunteer, visit the Partnership's website, within the township website, or call the dedicated hotline number, at 201-587-2912.

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