United Way of Southwest Michigan is once again rolling out its successful “Rake A Difference” fund-raiser– and tying in the Veteran’s Day holiday to make it easier for participants to get involved. Here are the details in a statement from UWSM:
On Thursdy, November 11, hundreds of area volunteers, working as teams, will help seniors in Southwest Michigan rake and bag leaves and clean gutters as part of United Way’s 11th annual “Rake A Difference.” 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.
Before winter hits, raking leaves and cleaning out gutters is a vital step to ensuring spring snow melt does not cause water damage to 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 mobilizes the community to give them a helping hand in prepping for winter.
“This year is extra special because ‘Rake A Difference’ falls on Veterans Day. Many of our seniors are veteran families. This day is a reminder about service to community and that’s something we all can do,” said Debbie Ramirez, Volunteer Engagement Director of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “We invite volunteers in all three counties to sign up, but we do have a particular need for more in Cass.”
Volunteers can sign up at uwsm.org/rake-a-difference. Seniors can sign up by calling 269-932-3554. The deadline for both is October 15.
