Every winter, cities prepare for snow in predictable ways: salt trucks, plows, alerts, and parking rules. Those things matter. They keep streets open and traffic moving. But the City of Excelsior Springs has built something just as important into its winter plan — people. Through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors and Snow Angels effort, residents can request assistance during snowy weather, connecting those who need help with volunteers willing to step in. It’s a small idea on paper: neighbors helping with winter needs. It’s a big idea in practice: designing a system where kindness is organized instead of accidental. Moving From Random Kindness to Reliable Care Most towns have generous people. What they don’t always have is a pathway. We all know the scenario. A heavy snow falls. An older resident worries about slipping. A person recovering from surgery looks at an icy driveway. Someone new to town hesitates to ask for help. In many communities, assistance depends on chance — Do ...

  Wow!  What a flurry of great ideas and programs being employed in Missouri’s Most Neighborly Cities to engage residents! Access the video of the discussion here . This discussion was held on Feb. 13, 2026. The Mo Neighborhoods workgroup discussion is a treasure trove of ideas and programs that: Build social capital Get your residents connected with each other Promote civic pride and participation Facilitate volunteerism Love local   Here’s some of what’s happening in Missouri’s Most Engaged Cities!! Dear, Manchester:  A civic pride campaign that encourages residents to write letters about a favorite place, memory Building Belonging Together:  Training to help neighbors plan a block party A Slice of History:  Fun activities that help your residents learn about local and Missouri history Strategic Planning for Neighborhoods:  Complete with toolkit! Methods for conducting a neighborhood cleanup program with an emphasis on recycling and keeping bulky ite...