Before winter hits, raking your yard and cleaning out gutters is a vital step to ensuring spring snow melt does not cause water damage to your home or lawn. Many area seniors try to accomplish this work on their own, putting them at risk for falls and serious injury.
On Thursday, November 13th join hundreds of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County volunteers who will give area seniors a helping hand! Gather your co-workers or friends and create a team to rake and bag leaves, and clean gutters for seniors as part of United Way’s 15th annual "Rake A Difference"
Did you know that 55.5% of seniors ages 65+ in Berrien County have households with incomes below the ALICE threshold? This day serves seniors, age 60 and older, who are physically incapable of performing yard work and are unable to pay for services.
Sign up for your geographic location or anywhere you are needed. Shifts available for all day or for half days.
ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST REGISTER by 10/17!
NOTE - volunteers must provide their own rakes (for raking) and ladders (for gutters). United Way of Southwest Michigan will provide leaf bags, gloves and tarps.
To learn more visit https://www.uwsm.org/rake-a-difference
Have questions? Email us at Volunteer@uwsm.org
Thank you for helping our seniors!
Quotes from previous Rake a Difference seniors:
- "This is a wonderful service and gift! As a senior with no one to help me and nerve damage on my right side, I'd be raking, little by little until next spring! The generosity of the people who do this is wonderful. They are nice, friendly and do a wonderful job. The crew that came this year raked and bagged 14 bags of leaves in 30 minutes! There wasn't a leaf left in the yard, (until the next day of course! :-)!) They raked in the rain and didn't complain. I wish I could tell each person thank you! And thank you to the sponsors! And thank you for the gift bag - so appreciated."
- “It was a life saver to me. If I didn't have it I don't know how I would have gotten my leaves off my yard. It would be too much for me.”
- "My husband died from Covid in 2022 so I am on my own and I needed help. I have vision issues. I am so grateful!!!”
- This service is greatly needed. It is a great service activity for the community, to bring people together helping us seniors with something that is so needed. Thank you to United Way for organizing this event. Your the best!"
- "I'm 81. widowed. I needed help. I can't do it anymore. Thank you for the volunteers."
- "Rake a Difference means a lot to me. I cannot explain how much it means because I could not do it myself. I feel blessed to be connected with United Way. The group did a wonderful job. Blessing to each of them."
- "I am a 100% disabled veteran. Having "Rake a Difference" remove our leaves is a tremendous service to me. It is great talking with the volunteers. Very friendly and work hard. Makes my day!"
Quotes from previous Rake a Difference volunteers:
- “This is the second year I have participated, it's one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to serve our community and create bonds with our fellow coworkers - highly recommend! :)”
- "I got to know workmates better and saw their skills in a different setting; it also creates a sense of purpose and feeling of collective responsibility in our community, which warms my heart.”
- "My favorite part of the day was knowing how much great work was done all through volunteers being willing to give their time to help those in need."
- "My favorite part of the day was the camaraderie and working together as a team to help the homeowner who was in need."
