Courtesy photo A group of unknown shovelers clear the driveway for Alpena resident Mary Hardy. Hardy’s doorbell camera captured when doing the work. Hardy said she does not who the people were, but wants to thank them for their generosity.

ALPENA – When the snow left Alpena with a wintry mess on Monday, an anonymous group of people in one neighborhood jumped into action.

This is not the first time the group has swooped in to help people clear snow from their property.

Alpena resident Mary Hardy acknowledged the unknown people on Facebook for their hard work and generosity.

“Whoever the amazing people are that go around and shovel and snow blow on Saginaw street after every storm, you are a godsend,” Hardy posted.

Upon hearing about this group of do-gooders, many Alpena residents shared similar stories.

Others in the Alpena area reacted with praise to the people who were taking time out of their day to help those who may struggle to remove the snow from their driveways and sidewalks.

Donna Castle-Leitner posted that she also was lucky to have someone lend her a hand.

“I am blessed to have a neighbor who comes down the sidewalk with a snowblower from end to end,” she said. “This morning, he cleared my driveway to the road. He’s cleared my walk to my house before and a side-path to my car.”

Joan Herrick shared that he too has someone who steps up to help after a winter storm.

“I, too, am blessed with Godly neighbors who live to serve,” Herrick said on Facebook.

Hardy asked The News to forward a message to the good Samaritans that helped her.

“I want to thank them for their kindness, for going out of their way to ensure the safety and well-being of their neighbors,” Hardy said.

Although Hardy is not certain of the identities of the group Monday morning, she does have a good idea who it might be.

“I think quite often the neighbors are out there together shoveling and snow blowing, but this is the first time I noticed them go all out shoveling the porch too.”

All over social media on Monday, residents thanked kind strangers for going out of their way to help, when they didn’t have to.

From drivers unable to get out of their driveways to people stuck in the ditch, there were stories shared of selfless heroes coming to the rescue.

Alpena resident Karen Grochowski, also shared an encounter with a helpful citizen.

“Thank you to the kind gentleman who stopped to help me get out of my driveway when I was stuck this morning.,” he posted. “I didn’t get your name, but it was much appreciated.”

A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic in 2025 concluded that just 10 minutes of shoveling heavy snow can exceed recommended exercise intensity limits, averaging 97% of the maximum heart rate attained during treadmill testing.

That is why it is important for people to keep an eye on others, especially the elderly, who it may be unsafe to do heavy shoveling or snowblowing.