United Way Preparing To Rake A Difference

leaves-safe-2
leaves-safe-2

The United Way of Southwest Michigan is inviting everyone to sign up to Rake A Difference this fall. The United Way’s Debbie Ramirez tells WSJM News the annual Rake A Difference day is now scheduled for November 12. That’s when hundreds of volunteers head to the homes of senior citizens to rake leaves and clean out gutters. Ramirez says in a normal year, the program attracts a large number of volunteers.

“In the past, it has been around 800,” Ramirez said. “We are frankly a little nervous this year that we are not going to have that amount of volunteers, and therefore we won’t be able to serve as many seniors. It’s a little worrisome knowing that some people don’t want to get out, may not be comfortable going out and about.”

Ramirez says the demand for help is as high as ever, and so anyone interested in volunteering is asked to sign up at UWSM.org. The volunteers this year will be wearing masks and social distancing. She says around 300 homes are served on Rake A Difference Day most years.