Rake a Difference Needs 600 More Volunteers by Friday, OCT 16 So No Senior Is Left Waiting
Volunteers from the Coloma area participate in 2025’s Rake a Difference event. United Way of Southwest Michigan is in need of at least 500 more volunteers before week’s end to assist with the cleanup efforts for area senior citizens.
United Way of Southwest Michigan is putting out an urgent last call for volunteers. Registration for Rake a Difference closes this Friday, October 16, and United Way still needs 600 more volunteers to serve every senior who has asked for help.
So far, 350 seniors across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties have registered for the Thursday, November 12 event, with nearly half of those on the waitlist. Those seniors don't know yet whether a team is coming. United Way can't tell them until every volunteer team is signed up.
On Rake a Difference day, teams rake and bag leaves and some even clean gutters for seniors age 60 and older who are physically unable to do the work themselves and can't afford to hire someone.
The need is greatest for leaf-raking teams in Niles, Hartford and Coloma, and for teams that will rake and clean gutters in Niles, Coloma, Bangor, South Haven, Hartford, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Harbor Country and throughout Cass County. Teams willing to travel to where the need is greatest help United Way reach more seniors.
Teams of any size are welcome: coworkers, friends, families, churches, and community groups. Rake a Difference is more than a day of yard work. It's a chance to show senior neighbors their community cares, help them stay safely in their homes, and give them some peace of mind before winter.
"We are a bit behind on volunteer numbers that would normally be in by this time over last year. Whatever our community can do to take a moment and gather their friends, family, and co-workers, and commit to help will really give our seniors some peace of mind," said Debbie Ramirez, Senior Director of Impact & Volunteer Engagement at United Way of Southwest Michigan.
Rake a Difference is made possible by Major Sponsors American Electric Power Foundation, Gast Manufacturing, and Meridian Health. Series Sponsors: Whirlpool Corporation, Corewell Health, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Silver Beach Pizza, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, and Blu Cat Consulting. Gold Sponsor: Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Silver Sponsor: Midwest Energy & Communications. Bronze Sponsors: Hungerford, Niles Precision Company, and Moody on the Market.
Volunteer registration closes Friday, October 16. Register a team today at rakeadifference.com and help United Way make sure no senior is left waiting for a helping hand.
About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create and sustain 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, advocating, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org.
