Help Southwest Michigan Seniors During ‘Rake a Difference 2025’ November 13

On Thursday, November 13, over a thousand volunteers across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties will take part in one of Southwest Michigan’s largest volunteer calls to action each year: Rake a Difference, now in its 15th year of impact!

Now is the time to assemble your team and visit RakeADifference.com to register. You’ll head out to houses across your local community and help senior citizens with leaf cleanup & bagging, and gutter cleaning. The need for volunteers is greater than ever, as we expect to serve nearly 400 seniors with this integral free service.

Before late fall and winter, raking leaves and cleaning out gutters becomes an important part of keeping snow melt and ice dams from causing water damage to seniors’ homes or lawns. Many area seniors try to accomplish this work themselves which can put them at risk for injury. United Way of Southwest Michigan is proud to mobilize the community to make sure our seniors are well-cared for while you and your team have some fun!

Because every volunteer and their time is valuable to our seniors, we will take anyone, anywhere in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties willing to help. Our United Way staff will match senior needs with available volunteers when and where you’re available, so there’s no obligation to do more work than you can or are able to do. And if you need supplies, we’ve got the rakes, gloves and more!

All you’ll need to do is visit RakeADifference.com and select your county of choice. If you’re willing to travel outside your area, let us know in your sign up form. Volunteer teams must register by October 17.

Perhaps you’re reading this and know of, or are a senior in need of this service. Seniors, 60 and older, who cannot physically perform yard work and can’t afford to pay for lawn service are eligible to register for the event on November 13 on a first come, first served basis, and service is dependent on the number of volunteers available. Seniors or their friends & family may call 269-932-3554 to register over the phone. If we aren’t available at the moment, just leave a message and we’ll call you back by the next business day.

The 15th Annual Rake a Difference event is 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 NBC Universal, Hungerford CPAs, Niles Precision Company, Invenergy, and Vail Rubber Works.

Tell your friends and neighbors about this important service and help get a team together so seniors in Southwest Michigan can rest easy this winter knowing the community cares for them. Go to RakeADifference.com and join the fun and impact!