December 14, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Winder, Communications & Information Manager

‘Scoop It’ Snow Removal Program Assists Elderly, Disabled Homeowners

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Corrections ‘Scoop It’ snow removal program assisted nearly 70 homeowners across the state following last weekend’s snowstorm.   

Inmates from the minimum-security units in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Yankton are dispatched to clear away snow for elderly and disabled homeowners that either can’t physically remove the snow themselves or can’t afford to pay someone else to do so.

The snow removal is coordinated through community resource agencies in those cities. The agencies do a screening of those asking for the assistance and call the prison units with the information and addresses. A uniformed correctional officer accompanies the inmate crew, which is made up of non-violent inmates who are nearing the end of their sentences.

Community resource agencies for the ‘Scoop It’ program include:

City                          Community Resource                            Contact Number

Sioux Falls                Help!Line Center                                   211 in Sioux Falls

Pierre/Ft. Pierre        United Way of Pierre/Ft. Pierre             224-9229

Rapid City                Rapid City United Way                         343-5872

Yankton                   Yankton Area Senior Citizens Center    665-4685

                                                                  -30-