SAINT ANSGAR, Iowa — As blizzard conditions gripped north Iowa, one Saint Ansgar resident experienced a moment of kindness that underscored the strength of a small-town community.
Kim Koster, a lifelong resident of Saint Ansgar, was shoveling heavy snowdrifts early Monday when an unexpected Good Samaritan stepped in to help. She had already cleared her driveway once earlier in the morning and returned outside around 2:15 a.m. as snow continued to pile up.
“I was shoveling the driveway for the second time this morning,” Koster said. “I was out the first time at 2:15 a.m. Anyway, I was about 3/4 of the way down the driveway shoveling knee-high drifts when someone in a skid loader was coming by my driveway.”
She said the person stopped, waved for her to move out of the way, and then finished clearing the driveway.
“They stopped, waved their hand at me to get out of the way, so I moved and they finished clearing out the driveway for me,” she said. “I just stood there, frozen as a popsicle, and watched them. In a matter of just a couple of minutes, he had it cleared out for me.”
Despite the severity of the storm, Koster said she was not in danger.
“No, I wasn’t in any danger,” she said. “Just the bitterly cold wind.”
The blizzard itself was memorable.
“The blizzard here I thought was horrible,” she said. “Haven’t seen one like this since I was a kid. We won’t mention how many years ago that was.”
While the act of kindness was meaningful, Koster said it did not come as a surprise.
“I can’t say that I was really surprised because that’s what this small town of St. Ansgar is ALL about,” she said. “The people, the neighbors, the friends, and even the people new to this town that we haven’t met yet, we all care about each other, help each other, and have each other’s backs. I LOVE this town! Born and raised here. No where else I’d rather live, except maybe Hawaii!!!”
Koster said she hopes the story serves as a reminder that generosity still exists.
“There ARE good people out there in this crazy world that we now live in who are willing to help others who do GREATLY APPRECIATE their help,” she said.
She added that small acts of kindness can make a big difference, especially for those who may not be able to help themselves.
“I think, believe, that more people should do things like this because there are so many people out there that just can’t physically do things they used to be able to do,” Koster said. “Whether it’s their age, physical condition, medical reasons, or something else. Do it out of the kindness of your heart. People do appreciate the help.”