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Camden County Musters Some Work-Release Prisoners To Shovel Sidewalks of Eldery and Infirm

By David Madden

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Seniors and the disabled in Camden County can avail themselves of free assistance in clearing snow from their sidewalks, once the storm is over.

Once accumulations exceed four inches, the county activates a program that puts prison inmates to work during daylight hours, shovels in hand.

"They are all nonviolent, which I really want to stress, and they're all on the work-release program," notes county freeholder Michelle Gentek, who oversees the program.

And guards go out with them to make sure there's no problem.

You have to call to get on a list, and calls are taken only during business hours.  The number is 856-783-4808, ext. 5060.

Gentek says they usually get about a hundred calls per storm.  They can't tell you exactly when your home will be cleared, but the sooner you call, the better.

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