Neighbor’s Snow Plowing Inspires Community Kindness

Quick Smiles:

• Kenny Harrell rented equipment to plow snowy streets and lots in Dogtown, helping residents get out after a major storm.
• He cleared 25 streets and seven parking lots over two days without seeking recognition.
• Community members donated to help cover his equipment costs, showing their gratitude for his generosity.

When a heavy snowfall left parts of St. Louis blanketed and isolated, Kenny Harrell saw an opportunity to lend a hand in the Dogtown neighborhood he holds dear.

“You shovel people out of their house, and then you see them complain about not being able to get off the street or to the main road, so it was just something I knew needed to be done,” Kenny shared.

Equipped with a rented plow, Kenny spent two days clearing 25 streets and seven parking lots, motivated purely by kindness.

“I’m no hero. I’m just a guy out working,” he said.

Kevin Parviz of Congregation Chai V’Shalom struggled to clear snow himself until Kenny arrived. He joked, “I tried. I started in that corner and fell and hit my head on the ground, and almost killed myself. Of course, that’s an exaggeration, but I couldn’t do this myself.”

As news of Kenny’s selfless work spread, the community chipped in with donations, covering nearly the full $1,100 he spent on the rental.

“This is unimaginable for us, so I’m so grateful to have Kenny doing this,” Kevin said. “I just think it’s really important to make the world a better place, help your people out, and be a community.”

Kenny hopes that by helping now, others will carry on the kindness. “At some point we all have to get of age. My body won’t be as big and strong one day, so I hope somewhere someway, someone will help me out, help my mom out, help my girl or my daughters out. That’s what it’s all about,” he reflected.

Stories like Kenny’s remind us that community spirit is alive and well, especially when neighbors look out for each other.

Source