With several volunteers working in unison, it did not take long to remove all the leaves from a yard on Huron Street in Niles — about 45 minutes.

But that small time spent equaled a huge weight off the shoulders of Wende Davis, who said she could not do the work herself because of bad knees.

“It really helped me out a lot,” she said. “It is nice to know that there are people out there that are still willing to go out and do things for other people like that.”

The team of three raking leaves at Davis’ home was just a tiny portion of the 640 volunteers who participated in the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Day of Action for Seniors Thursday.

Volunteers spent the day doing fall cleanup and winterization work for elderly residents in Berrien and Cass Counties.

Teri Cooper, of United Way, said they set a new record this year for participants.

“I’m in awe of the kindness and generosity of our volunteers — all we had to do was ask,” she said. “I’m so proud of them. As a matter of fact, our volunteers did most of the legwork for us by promoting and recruiting team members at their workplace and schools.”

Volunteer Amber Goens, of Chemical Bank’s team Green Star, was participating in her third Day of Action for Seniors.

“Doing something for someone else and not expecting anything back is rewarding — that is the best thing you can do for somebody,” she said.

Volunteer Michael Mompremier, also of team Green Star, said he too enjoyed giving back through the United Way’s annual effort.

“I just like seeing the impact it has on the lives of senior citizens who, for whatever reason, can’t do this for themselves,” he said.

Team Green Star’s Natalie Paprocki said it was amazing to know that she was part of more than 600 people giving back to the Southwest Michigan community.

“I think this just helps out everyone in the long run,” she said. “It makes the community look great and gives us an opportunity to give back.”