In January, Quarryville and most other parts of Lancaster County were hit with a brief flurry of winter weather. Although it was short-lived, the frigid temperatures and frosty conditions made local streets much more dangerous for drivers, especially those navigating the Southern End's winding roads in rural areas. The snow and ice also made it hazardous for many people to use their own driveways, and some residents who have physical disabilities were unable to clear their sidewalks.

On Jan. 8, the foul weather began to concern Tami Shaub in particular. Shaub operates the A-Team, a special needs ministry formerly based out of Wesley Church in Quarryville. Last June, the A-Team moved to its current headquarters, located at 75 Mt. Hope Road, Quarryville, and the group now operates under its nonprofit parent organization, Joyfully Made Fellowship. Shaub only lives 10 to 15 minutes away from the new facility, but the back roads she normally takes to get there are especially unsafe after it snows. Shaub messaged members of the A-Team, asking if anyone who lived nearby would be willing to check the building's sidewalks, and a group member's father volunteered. This A-Team member's parent assured Shaub he would make sure the property was safe for students to arrive for their next program.

As Shaub prepared to leave to set up that evening's program, she received a picture of firefighters standing outside the building. She initially feared that they were responding to an emergency there, but instead the firefighters had arrived to clear and salt the sidewalks. The parent who volunteered is a member of the Quarryville Fire Company, and his crew members happily assisted him while returning from a call.

Later that day, one of Shaub's friends asked her if she had someone to handle the sidewalks regularly. Shaub explained that the driveway is normally plowed by a farmer who works on the property's fields, but she is responsible for shoveling and salting the sidewalks herself. Shaub's friend is another member of the Quarryville Fire Company, and he works for an excavation company; he told Shaub that he and his colleagues would take care of shoveling and salting from now on.

Shaub said the firefighters' response moved her to tears. The A-Team's students are well acquainted with many members of the Quarryville and Bart Township fire companies, as they often help out with the ministry's events. During the A-Team's previous events, firefighters have taught the kids about fire prevention, let them try on equipment and let them ride in the bucket of a firetruck. The firefighters also attended the open house for the A-Team's new facility to show their support. The A-Team has formed many bonds with the local community in recent years, but the connection between its students and local firefighters is special - and Shaub will no longer have to worry about A-Team members walking on icy sidewalks.

"It's always neat to sit back and watch how different organizations in the area have such a heart for our students," said Shaub. "Knowing we won't have to worry about the sidewalks is a huge relief. God has placed people here to help us out in a big way."