Over 1,500 Volunteers Rake a Difference Across Southwest Michigan in 2025
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s 15th Annual Rake a Difference event was held Thursday, November 13 as volunteers spread throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to rake leaves and clean gutters for senior citizens. The event saw its biggest volunteer number ever, with a total of 1,541 volunteers participating across 148 teams. Over 347 senior homes were served during this year’s event. A massive 11,455 leaf bags were distributed to teams as well.
Rake a Difference is a vital community event where volunteers assist seniors before the cold weather arrives, helping to protect homes from costly maintenance. The initiative not only helps keep neighborhoods clean and safe but also fosters connections between volunteers and the seniors they assist.
“The phones rang all day with teams looking to do more than they signed up for. It is just incredible how much Southwest Michigan loves this event,” said Debbie Ramirez, Senior Director of Impact & Volunteer Engagement at United Way of Southwest Michigan. “And of course, the appreciation from seniors is just the cherry on top for a lot of these teams, but they’re doing it for so many more reasons.”
Rev. Jeffrey Hubers of First Congregational Church UCC St. Joseph says he has volunteered for the event for over 7 years. “It seems like such a simple thing, raking leaves, but it’s really beautiful and profound, I think, because it brings us together,” he stated during a break from his team’s 8am appointment at a home not far from the church. “We all need a little help now and then, and we are only as strong as we are together. It’s very meaningful work.”
The 15th Annual Rake a Difference event was made possible with support from the AEP Foundation, Gast Manufacturing, French Paper Company, Midwest Energy & Communications, Invenergy, Whirlpool Corporation, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Silver Beach Pizza, BluCat Consulting, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hungerford CPAs, Niles Precision Company, Invenergy, and Vail Rubber Works.
Ramirez says if you’re interested in helping in the future, check out volunteer.uwsm.org for more opportunities for this event and many others throughout the community year-round.
About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create a united & resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community's most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocacy, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org
