The United Way of Southwest Michigan is now taking registrations for the next Rake A Difference event. United Way spokesperson Jennifer Tomshack tells us Rake a Difference is held each fall to help seniors in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties prepare for the winter.
“Hundreds of area volunteers working as teams will help seniors in southwest Michigan rake and bag leaves and clean gutters as part of the United Way’s 13th annual Rake A Difference event,” Tomshack said.
Tomshack says they had more than 1,200 volunteers last year, helping more than 300 seniors. They especially need volunteers who can help out in southern Berrien County, rural Van Buren County, and all over Cass County. She says their efforts help a great deal.
“It makes an enormous difference to the seniors helped. Before winter hits, raking your leaves and cleaning your gutters is such an important step to making sure that spring melt doesn’t cause water damage to your home or lawn. Many area seniors try to do this work on their own, putting themselves at risk for falls or injuries, and we don’t want that to happen.”
Registrations for volunteers are being taken now and through October 13. Seniors can also register to get some help by September 30. The actual Rake A Difference Day will be November 9. Tomshack says businesses often sign up to take part as a team building exercise for employees. You can find out more at the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s website.
