CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — People have been digging out all over the city and suburbs and, in some cases, looking out for those who can’t do the digging themselves.
Several Chicago aldermen are among the helpers. Ald. George Cardenas of the 12th Ward was working with two crews who were clearing snow from the sidewalks of senior citizens and handicapped parking spots in the Little Village, Brighton Park and McKinley Park neighborhoods.
The alderman, who was with a couple of staff members at 35th and Hoyne, says these less able-bodied residents are appreciative. In many cases, their families have moved away.
“We're their lifeline," Cardenas said Tuesday.
Ald. Cardenas says it’s been hard to get volunteers because, understandably, people want to get paid during the pandemic.
"There’s no way we can have enough money to pay everybody. I wish we had a fund to accomplish that. We just don’t,” he said.
The alderman's assistant, Vanessa Aranda, said some people have asked for $25 an hour to do the labor.
Cardenas got help Tuesday as an employer paid for two workers to help with snow removal.
It could be Thursday, he said, before he and his crews are able to help all the seniors who’ve asked for help.
Side streets will start getting plowed Tuesday night, along with some alleys that are particularly bad, he said.
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