The sun rises a little later each morning, and chilled air swirls through Southwest Michigan. Leaves tinted crimson, gold, and amber tumble down our roadways and sidewalks, resting in flower beds and crowding under bushes. It is the season of next-year-garden prep: raking, mulching, clearing the gutters of debris, and preparing our homes for the eventual snowfall.
“On Thursday, November 10th, 2022, hundreds of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County volunteers will give area seniors a helping hand!” says United Way of SWMI. Co-workers and friends become teammates to rake and bag leaves, and clean gutters for seniors as part of United Way’s 12th annual “Rake A Difference“.
Every year, this day is dedicated to offering assistance to our friends over the age of sixty, who are unable to complete challenging outdoor tasks on their own. This service is free of charge, and ensures these vital pre-winter tasks are completed to protect the homes and lawns of our neighbors.
“We have hit a new record for Rake A Difference this year,” says Debbie Ramirez, Volunteer Engagement Director with United Way. “There are 1200 volunteers participating, and we will be able to serve more than 270 seniors in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties!”
Rake A Difference is their largest volunteer event of the year, and though registration for both new volunteer teams and qualifying seniors (for Nov 10th) is now closed, United Way of Southwest Michigan is busy all year long, volunteering in the community and helping those in need. The ‘School Supply Spectacular’ takes place in August, and aids low-income families by dispersing 1000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in Cass County. Last November, they collaborated with Meijer stores in Stevensville and Benton Harbor for ‘Operation Thanksgiving’ to distribute 150 food baskets to families in need of holiday food assistance.
To sign up to volunteer within your community, find more information about upcoming volunteer events, and to learn more about United Way of Southwest Michigan, please visit uwsm.org/volunteer.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
