Winter Storm: Neighbors Show Kindness During Big Snow (UPDATED)

TINLEY PARK, IL — The heavy snowfall that rolled through Tinley Park and the south suburbs Friday was a source of aggravation for many residents. But the added frustration didn't keep some people from providing a helping hand to others who were having a more difficult time during the severe winter weather.

Here are just a few examples of kindness by good Samaritans around the community Friday. And while the worst of the snow is through, the village and the rest of the area could see some straggling flakes falling as late as Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. That means more opportunities for good deeds.

Do you have an anecdote to share about someone going the extra mile during the snowstorm? Share your story in the comments section.

Digging Out The Mail

After a U.S. Postal Service truck became stuck in the snow while delivering the mail, several people stopped to help dig the carrier out. One of the "rescuers" was even Tinley Park Trustee Michael Glotz, who grabbed a shovel and helped with the effort.

Some residents were appreciative about the lengths their carriers went to get the mail to them, as well.

"I did not expect mail but put some treats out for [the mail carrier]," one resident wrote in an online post. "Sure enough there [he] was … our regular mailman trudging thru the snow, thank you."

In fact, another resident suggested that snow days should extend to postal workers and not just school students.

"Give them the day off. I can survive no mail for a day …" the resident wrote online.

Stranger With A Snow Blower

One person's act of kindness had at least one resident wondering, who was that (unmasked) man with the snow blower? Here's what one resident wrote online describing the encounter Friday:

"There is a guy in a white truck going around plowing people's driveways. He went to my gf's house and she ran out of her house to try and give him money and he told her to donate it to the vets..... now that my friends....is AWESOME community involvement! There is hope for humanity. There still are good people in this world eh?! Thank you mystery white truck man with snow blower!"

Did anyone else receive a visit from this stranger with the snow blower? If so, how did he help out? Share your story in the comments section or email Tinley Park editor Joe Vince at joe.vince@patch.com.

Neighbors Working Together

The snow didn't just bring out the best in strangers, it also brought together neighbors who worked together to clear away snow in their community, turning a sizeable job into something a bit more manageable.

"Everyone that had snow blowers were helping out those that didn’t!!!" a resident wrote online to describe the cooperation among homeowners living in the Goesel Drive neighborhood. "It was great seeing the random acts of kindness. And today the kids get to play in HUGE piles of snow."

Surprise Shovelers

One resident showed how one good deed can actually lead to another:

"My husband shoveled at 3:45am before work. I shoveled at 10:30am with my 2 year old. Then we went back out to another 6"+ of snow at 5:00pm so my husband could pull in the driveway when he got home after sitting in traffic for two hours. I got about halfway finished and didn't think I could do anymore when two neighbors I never met came and shoveled and plowed the rest, as well as my neighbors."

Shout Outs and Thank Yous

Cinamon Sneade emailed to thank the residents of Bristol Lane for coming together during the storm:

"Starting on Friday up until [Sunday] neighbors were up and down our block helping one another. Big snowblowers, little snowblowers, shovels, brooms you name it they were out with force hours after hours. I am just in love with this block and how we all take care of one another."

Eileen Pizzato Tormey also had a special thanks for two specific neighbors, the Sutters, who were equally gracious for Tormey's help:

"My husband & I are both handicapped & our thanks go to our neighbors John & Judy Sutter for digging us out. We are very appreciative of them. They are the only ones that are helping & we can’t do anything ourselves. Thank you John & Judy!"

Other shout outs went to the residents on Paxton Avenue, as well as 71st Avenue.

Photo Worth 1,000 Words

Finally, a reader submitted this photo of a sign at 170th Street and 84th Avenue that has since come down. It illustrates how many people probably felt after Friday's snowfall:

Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories.

YOUR TURN: What acts of kindness did you experience around Tinley Park during Friday's snowstorm? Share your stories in the comments section or email editor Joe Vince at joe.vince@patch.com.

Photo via Shutterstock