Seymour Teens Launch Snow Brigade to Help Seniors and Disabled

SEYMOUR, Conn. — In the face of approaching winter storms, two Seymour Middle School students have launched an initiative to assist the town’s elderly and disabled residents with snow removal, offering their services free of charge. Thomas Halligan, 14, and Brayden Ferreira, 13, started the Seymour Snow Brigade on Jan. 20, aiming to help those in need clear their sidewalks and pathways.

The idea for the initiative emerged from a community service project, with the boys using their own shovels to get the job done. ‘We knew that there are a lot of people in Seymour who could use our help,’ Thomas said. ‘When we see their reactions and hear how thankful and happy they are, it motivates us even more to continue.’

According to Brayden, 15 residents have already signed up for assistance, primarily elderly individuals and those with serious health conditions that prevent them from clearing snow themselves. ‘It makes us feel good to help others, especially the elderly,’ Brayden added.

The Seymour Snow Brigade has recruited additional student volunteers, including brothers Ryan and Collin Wolf, and is seeking more participants. ‘We can only keep this project going if we have volunteers who can help us, because we can’t do it all on our own,’ Thomas said. ‘Even if they’re only able to help one neighbor, it would make a big difference.’

Thomas and Brayden’s mothers, Jennifer Ribeiro Ferreira and Kate Halligan, are assisting with coordinating the effort. The goal is to match volunteers with residents based on location and availability. Seniors or those with disabilities can request assistance by contacting the brigade through private messages or email at [email protected]. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while participating.

Thomas, who is also the official team photographer for the SMS Boys Basketball team and a travel baseball player, previously contributed to clean-up efforts after the devastating floods in Klarides Village last August. Brayden, a team manager for the SMS Boys Basketball team and an avid fisherman, balances his time between school activities and helping the community.

Halligan and Ribeiro Ferreira expressed pride in their sons’ initiative. ‘Hearing how much it has meant to those families that they have already been able to help shows what an impact these boys have made in our town,’ Halligan said. ‘Hopefully, the example they’ve set will encourage others to volunteer too.’