Advice on helping neighbor

[TheMan419]

Hey guys need some advice.

Neighbors are elderly (in their 80's). In years past they have had someone plow their drive. I cannot see their drive from mine and feel bad I am just noticing this. We got 5 inches of snow about 2 days ago. They are still not plowed out. Do I just go over and do it or knock on the door? I don't want any $$ for doing it would just do it to help them out. I do not know these folks. Wave at them if I see them out, but have never really talked to them.

Seems to me I should just go do it. It shouldn't take me more than 15 min to do their drive with my tractor I don't think.

 

[jbrumberg]

I would help them out; just to make sure they are ok.

 

[ovrszd]

I run a township grader. I push several drives for people that don't have the means. I never ask. I've never been told to stol. Have gotten several thank you cards and gift cards though.

In this case my concern would be the location of everything? I've took out a couple flower beds and rock gardens


Also in this case, I'd go do it. When done, knock on the door, introduce yourself, give them your phone number and encourage them to contact you if needed.

Might be a great friendship in the making. Also, Jewels in your Crown.

 

[HCJtractor]

I believe I would drive my tractor to their front door and introduce myself as their neighbor, tell them you were scraping snow nearby, and ask if you could do theirs (for free of course). I don’t think I would just do it without permission. People can act strangely at times, and if they see you out there, not knowing you, who knows what they will think. Also ask if there’s anything you need to be careful with just in case.

 

[jfh28]

I absolutely would do it.....I would clear a path down the center and then go knock on their door and introduce yourself and tell them what you are going to do and ask if there's any obstructions you should know about.....that'll put their mind at ease and break the ice too........I've been doing the same thing for an elderly neighbor down the street from me for several years......hardly takes any time and it just seems like the right thing to do........Jack

 

[RNeumann]

I’d plow my way in, knock on the door, say hi and who you are and then plow my way out if they want it done.....worst case is you cleared enough to get to the house.

 

[Industrial Toys]

It depends more on them than you. So many factors. They could have millions stuffed in the mattress or are eating cat food. They could be cheap or generous. I knew more than a few widowed rich elderly women that would take advantage of any generous (and stupid) man to come along.

Also, when you help someone, when do you STOP helping them.

 

[ovrszd]

We're thinking wayyyy too much into this.

Society is evolving toward the position where a good deed is looked upon with suspicion. That will only change when we go back to being good neighbors.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Just wondering. If your neighbor just bought a new snowmobile, but didn't own a snowblower, would you clear his driveway?

 

[shootemup604]

My neighbor has plowed my drive a couple times, in-asked, before I bought a tractor. The farm down the road has plowed the entire road with their massive tractors because the district hadn't - granted it may have been to let the milk truck in off the highway, but all the same it benefitted everyone. Neighborly things don't happen as often anymore, and it is nice when they do.