WINCHESTER — During the snowy winter season, filled with afternoons ideal for curling up at home with a cup of hot cocoa, there are dozens of Winchester residents who instead brave the bitter cold to dig out those who cannot do so themselves.

The City of Winchester debuted its Snowbusters volunteer program in January, drawing 24 community shovelers who assisted 135 senior or disabled homeowners, according to Communications Director Kit Redmer. He added that everyone who applied for the free service received help as long as they met the qualifications of age or disability.

“Having a safe route to school or work or a safe route wherever you go outside, being able to use the sidewalks in the city is incredibly important,” said City Manager Dan Hoffman, crediting Redmer for the initiative.

With April being National Volunteer Month and last week City Volunteer Week in Winchester, Snowbuster clients and city officials took the opportunity to extend gratitude towards the volunteers on Thursday. Called the Celebration of Volunteerism, the event at Handley High School featured awards, refreshments and fellowship among community members and Winchester staff.

Having helped 39 homes combined, Winchester residents Bob and Tara Watkins won the first-place “golden shovel award” — a prize tradition Hoffman and Redmer hope to continue into future seasons of Snowbusters.

“I wish we could do more than just give you a shovel spray painted gold,” said Hoffman, met with chuckles from the couple.

Before coming to Winchester in 2016, the Watkins lived in Alaska, which means they’re very familiar with “real snow,” Bob Watkins joked. On a more serious note, he expressed that they were happy to help their neighbors.

“It’s just one of those be good, do good kind of places,” he said. “And this just seems like a very worthwhile kind of thing.”

Chad Massey and BJ Manuel live on Jefferson Street and both recently underwent medical operations — spine surgery and a hip replacement. When a Snowbusters announcement came across Manuel’s social media feed, she registered immediately and shared the information with those nearby.

“This was just an amazing, amazing outreach that the city did,” Manuel said. “It was wonderful for us.”

She went on to describe the volunteers as “just the kindest people ever” as Massey nodded in agreement.

Father-son duo Mike and Jaxon Neese were among the top shovelers in the program, too. Mike Neese earned the “silver shovel award,” coming in second place with 24 homes.

The two explained that they give their time to community service frequently, but that volunteer opportunities tend to slow down in the winter. When they heard about Snowbusters, signing up was a no-brainer, especially since they already help dig out their next-door neighbors.

“Winter gets boring just sitting inside,” said Jaxon Neese, a recent Handley graduate.

The Neeses added that they calculated the exact length of collective sidewalk they cleared together and, though they did not have the exact number on them, it was many miles.

“Everyone was really friendly that would pop out the door and say thank you,” said Handley senior Sage Macintosh, who had been roped into shoveling with the Neeses. “It was really enjoyable, even though it was cold.”

Once snow hits, Redmer notifies the team of their assigned houses and they have 24 hours to clear each client’s sidewalks. Redmer said he tries to assign volunteers to locations within walking distance of their homes. Plowing driveways is not part of the program — at least not until more people sign up — but many volunteers choose to do that as well, time permitting.

Hoffman concluded by expressing his appreciation for Redmer’s lighthearted “Snowbusters assemble!” notifications, saying they made him feel like an Avenger.

“You made this group its own little community of civil servants,” Hoffman said, gesturing to the room as he thanked Redmer.

Turning to the attendees, he added: “You shoveled dozens and dozens of people's sidewalks, driveways, and we are so incredibly grateful for all of you.”

To apply as a Snowbuster volunteer or Snowbuster recipient for the upcoming season, contact Redmer at Kit.Redmer@winchesterva.gov or 720-289-1830.