October 24, 2020

(other dates available too)

Before winter hits, raking your yard 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. Join us in giving them a helping hand when prepping for winter.

Seniors, age 60 and older, who are physically unable to perform yard work and can't afford to pay for services are eligible to sign up to have a team of volunteers come on October 24th. Seniors living in Marquette County can sign-up by calling 906-226-8171. Seniors are helped on a first-come, first-serve basis and dependent on the number of volunteers available

Volunteers: When signing up, if you have a preference please specify what area of the county you would like to help out.

FAQs

DO THE SENIORS NEED TO PROVIDE ANY SUPPLIES?

Yes, the volunteers will not always be able to provide supplies including leaf bags, rakes, gloves, and tarps.

DO I NEED TO BE HOME WHEN THE VOLUNTEERS RAKE?

No, neither the senior nor a representative for the senior needs to be home when the volunteers arrive to rake. For this event, sometimes we provide seniors with a senior care kit. If we have them available, the volunteers will leave it at the front door if the senior is not home.

WHO WILL COME TO RAKE MY YARD?

We are thankful to have dozens of amazing community members who volunteer for this event. These volunteers will be provided with the senior’s first name and address. All volunteers are subject to a background check before coming to assist a senior with their yard.

DO THE VOLUNTEERS TAKE THE LEAVES WITH THEM AFTER THEY ARE DONE RAKING?

No, unfortunately these volunteers do not have the capacity to dispose of leaves. Also, each municipality has their own rules and regulations for how leaves can be disposed of. For these reasons it is the senior’s responsibility to dispose of their own leaves once the volunteer has raked and placed them into bags. If you need guidance on this, please contact your local city, village, or township office for instruction on how to properly dispose or your leaves in your municipality.

DO THE VOLUNTEERS RAKE MY ENTIRE YARD?

Volunteers will do as much of your yard as possible, but we cannot guarantee that the volunteers will be able to do your entire yard, especially if your yard is large. The volunteers will make sure to rake at least 50 feet around the perimeter of your home, and clear areas around the house foundation and walkways. If you have a large yard, please understand that we are serving a lot of seniors on this day and the volunteers will do as much as they can in your yard.

I HAVE SOME OTHER YARD WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE OR SOMETHING I NEED HELP WITH AROUND MY HOME. MAY I ASK THESE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP ME WITH THOSE THINGS, TOO?

Our volunteers have graciously donated their time to help you with the leaves in your yard. These volunteers likely will have several yards to take care of on this one day and, for this reason, they are not able to work on or complete any other tasks for you.

WHAT TIME WILL THE VOLUNTEERS ARRIVE AT MY HOME?

The volunteers will be at your house between 8:00am-5:00pm. Since these volunteers will likely be helping several seniors with their yards on this one day, please know that we are not able to provide you with an exact time of their arrival at your home. You do not need to be home when the volunteers are raking or taking care of your gutters.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE IN PLACE THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF COVID-19?

Covid-19 has changed many things worldwide this year! Thankfully, since this event is an outdoor event, we believe there will be minimal impact on Rake a Difference. Of course, each volunteer will be required to wear a facial covering if they are within 6 feet of another individual (senior, volunteer, etc.).