“Rake A Difference” volunteers to help seniors with fall yard work
Sign-ups open for United Way of Southwest Michigan’s 9th annual Day of Action for Seniors
Before winter hits, raking your yard and cleaning out your 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. United Way of Southwest Michigan invites our community to give them a helping hand when prepping for winter.
On November 7&8, hundreds of area volunteers, working as teams, will help seniors in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties rake and bag leaves and clean gutters as part of United Way’s 9th annual Day of Action for Seniors. The service is FREE of charge and serves seniors, age 60 and older, who are unable to perform yard work and can't afford to pay for services. Seniors are helped on a first-come, first-served basis, dependent on the number of volunteers available.
“We are very excited that this is the first year we’ll also be serving Van Buren County for Rake A Difference,” said Anna Murphy, President of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “Winterizing your home is hard work, and not everyone can do it on their own. This Day of Action for Seniors is a great way to make a big impact in our community.”
Volunteers sign up at uwsm.org/rakeadifference by October 11. Seniors sign up by calling 211 or 844.875.9211 by October 17.
Volunteers are encouraged to snap photos during Rake A Difference on November 7&8. United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Facebook fans will vote on their favorite photo, and the winner will receive a delicious prize package and a cool Rake A Difference trophy. Photos must be posted to Facebook using the hashtag #RAKEADIFFERENCE to be eligible to win.
Major sponsors are The Home Depot Foundation & The Home Depot Benton Harbor Store #2768 and Indiana Michigan Power, an AEP Company/Cook Plant. Silver sponsors are Ausco Products, Competitive Edge, French Paper Company, and Gast Manufacturing. Bronze sponsors are Andrews University, Horizon Bank, Kruggel Lawton CPAs, Lindberg/MPH, Niles Precision Company, Silver Beach Pizza, United Federal Credit Union, and Vail Rubber Works.
ABOUT UNITED WAY
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community's longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocating, and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.