On Thursday afternoon, Karen Ferguson walked back to her home, pushing her snowblower like a seasoned pro after clearing some snow for one of her neighbors. It’s one of the many things she does to help the people who live near her.

Ferguson moved to Ja-Lynn mobile home court, off Turner Street in Auburn, two-and-a-half years ago from the Portland area, never expecting she’d be climbing ladders, trimming shrubs, or removing snow for her neighbors.

During the first year at Ja-Lynn, she spent most of her time inside, finding it difficult to adapt to her new surroundings. Used to the art district and the hustle and bustle of city life, the quiet, small town feel of her new neighborhood wasn’t something she embraced easily.

Slowly, Ferguson, who is disabled, ventured outdoors and took in the wildlife and peaceful atmosphere. She says being outside really does her spirit and overall well-being good.

“I love the cold, the snow, the heat in the summer and the rain; the only things I don’t get along with are wind and ice,” Ferguson said.

Last winter, people were soliciting residents of Ja-Lynn to clear their roofs of snow for $120, which Ferguson thought was a high price for a one-story mobile home.

“A lot of these people live on Social Security and they can’t afford that. I offered to do it for $35 to 40,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson’s typical daily routine in the winter consists of clearing snow off cars and out of driveways, making paths to oil tanks and between mobile homes for neighbors who visit each other to play cards, sanding walkways and driveways. She also takes some neighbors’ mail to them so they don’t have to venture out in the cold, and checks on people to make sure they’re doing OK.

Most days, she picks a neighbor at random and tries to do something nice anonymously. Often they catch her in the act, but she hasn’t given up trying to surprise them just the same.

Barbara Hinckley, a resident of Ja-Lynn since 1979, finds the many things that Ferguson does quite helpful.

“She’s one of a kind,” Hinckley said. “Basically, she’s a good person, always doing things for people. She takes things out of my shed for me and puts them back when I’m done.”

Her mobile home and yard are decorated with lights, signs and a real Christmas tree, though she said this year a “naughty little squirrel” chewed the wires on some of the lights, making the display less bright than usual.

Ferguson’s holiday spirit has grown to include spreading Christmas cheer dressed as Santa, going door to door on Christmas Eve with small gifts that she makes when she’s not outside working away. Hinckley’s great-grandchildren were thrilled when Ferguson came to the door last year. One of her neighbors commented last year that in 35 years, Santa had never been to her house.

She draws on her talent as an artist to create unique gifts like maple, butcher-block cutting boards and stained glass.

At Thanksgiving, she made a meal for another neighbor who doesn’t cook and was not going to spend the holiday with family, and at Easter she dons a bunny costume and hands out potted hyacinths.

Despite some neck and back problems, Ferguson says she will continue to do what she can for as long as she can.

“It makes me feel good to help people,” Ferguson said.