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 14th 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 14th annual "Rake A Difference"
Did you know that 55.5% of seniors ages 65+ in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties 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 10/18!
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 program. I am 64, disabled with MS and no family. I live alone. This is such a great service. I don't have extra money to pay someone and if I didn't get it done, the park would do it and tack on $50-$75 on my rent. Thank you so much"
- "m "over the moon" GRATEFUL for those "angels in disguise" that have a heart to help seniors with such an overwhelming job!! These are still way more than what they clean up, but one day is a TREMENDOUS help and encouragement!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Please keep doing this yearly blessing !! :)"
- “This day means the world to me. When I saw 10 cars pull up at my home, I felt like I won the lottery. These extraordinary volunteers picked up their equipment and went right to work. My front yard and gutters were transformed into a yard and gutters were transformed into a beautiful sight - best looking yard on the street! Thanks to all.”
- It is an extreme lifesaver for those of us who need it! It means everything! This event made my day! I recently had a stroke so it was not possible to rake. Money is tight right now, so I couldn't be happier with your excellent workers! Thank you!"
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."
