Volunteers are needed to help older or disabled residents clear snow from public sidewalks.

The Safe Winter Walkways program pairs volunteers with residents in need of snow-shoveling assistance. The program is a joint effort of the City of Lawrence and the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County.

Porter Arneill, interim communications manager for the city, said in a news release that it’s critical that those interested in volunteering sign up in advance to assure support is in place before bad weather hits.

In years past, more than 90 percent of people who signed up for help got paired with a volunteer, according to the release.

Volunteer groups, civic organizations and youth groups are encouraged to consider volunteering as a team. Groups should contact Larry Woydziak with the Senior Resource Center for more information on group sign-up.

Participants and volunteers may register for the program on the city’s website or by calling 832-3338. The registration deadline is Nov. 17.