Areas of New York state have seen snow every day for the past seven days. In Oswego County, parts of Polermo got more than 100 inches, leaving people snowed in, trapped in their houses and even dealing with damage.

Oswego County is buried under snow, and it’s going to take a lot of work to dig it out. 

Polermo Community Church Pastor Tammie Nipper says she hasn’t seen snow like this in 50 years.

“I remember it as a child and I thought it was super cool to climb on the roof and slide my sled across the yard,” recalled Nipper. “But as an adult, it’s not so cool.” 

Now, Nipper can see why a storm like this can be dangerous.

“People were calling saying my roof is going to collapse, my barns are going to collapse, my vehicles are inside, the garage is going to collapse, porches,” said Nipper. “They couldn’t get in or out of their house, so we decided that we had to do something.”

That’s why Nipper put out a call for volunteers — a call that was certainly answered.  Folks from all around have been coming by to help dig people out, shovel a driveway or even to provide a hot meal for hard workers.

“Everybody pulls together and helps everybody here,” said Nipper. 

These volunteers certainly have their work cut out for them. Tito DeJesus and Sue Gabbert are volunteers with Team Rubicon, a volunteer-led humanitarian organization that responds to disasters across the United States. They both drove more than an hour to help out with snow removal.

“The snow just got too deep for them to shovel themselves,” said DeJesus. “So we’re just trying to make it so they can get access, up to the house and up to the aluminum ramp that leads up into the house.”

When you look at the accumulated snow, it can seem pretty intimidating, but Nipper says a helping hand goes a long way.

“I want to love my neighbors as much as myself,” said Nipper. “And if my neighbors need help, then you do whatever you need to do to get them that help.” 

Nipper says the church will still need volunteers through the weekend. Anyone interested in helping or needs a helping hand themself can call the church’s helpline at 315-877-1550.