SOUTHWICK – The recently-formed sand program created by the Southwick Fire Department, DPW, and Council on Aging continues to progress and according to Council on Aging Director Cindy Sullivan, more than 30 buckets have been delivered to elderly residents in Southwick since the program began in January.
Members of the Southwick Fire Department are seen putting sand into buckets in January. (Photo from Cindy Sullivan)
In January, all three departments came together and delivered 27 buckets of sand to seniors throughout town.
The program revolves around the fire department providing a five-gallon bucket of sand with a scoop in it to anyone who is at least 60-years-old, has their own property, and doesn’t live in a development that already has a company taking care of snow and ice removal.
Sullivan said that the next round of sand buckets will be delivered to those who sign up once bad weather approaches.
“I got tons of feedback from the last storm that people were so thankful to have them (the buckets),” said Sullivan.
Sullivan added that Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson has already ordered more sand buckets for seniors to have for the rest of the upcoming winter and impending storms. Although the young program has already seen success, it’s believed that the program will only improve in the future.
“I have a feeling that next year will be even bigger because we’ll have more time to advertise it,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan went on to say that Easthampton and Granby already have this type of program established in their respective communities.
If someone is interested in signing up for the sand bucket program they are encouraged to call the Council on Aging at 413-569-5498.
