United Way of Southwest Michigan is looking for volunteers to go into the community and help local senior citizens winterize their homes during the Sixth Annual Day of Action for seniors, which takes place Thursday, Nov. 3.

Volunteers will rake leaves, clean gutters and check smoke alarms for seniors. Berrien and Cass County seniors who are 60 and older, who are physically unable to do the work and cannot afford to pay for this type of service are encouraged to call (269) 982-1700 ext. 32 in order to be placed on the list.

“It’s very tough for many people in our community to winterize their homes, and this gives us one day to make a big difference,” said Anna Murphy, president of United Way of Southwest Michigan.

All services are free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis.

United Way officials hope to serve more than 200 seniors this year, though this number is dependent on the number of volunteers recruited.

Volunteers have the opportunity to help out in their local community, and can volunteer for a half-day or a full-day shift. Volunteers who work full days will receive a Pizza Hut lunch voucher, and all volunteers will receive a United Way T-shirt for participating.

United Way is asking volunteers to bring rakes, work gloves, leaf blowers and ladders, if available. United Way will supply leaf bags and other necessities to help get the work done.

“We receive so much support for this event,” Murphy said. “It is great to see the local businesses that donate supplies and other businesses that send teams of volunteers to help out. We love seeing the community come together to help.”

Volunteers and seniors can sign up online by going to www.uwsm.org/dayofactionforseniors. Volunteers have until this Friday to sign up, while seniors have until Monday, Oct. 24.

A Facebook page for this event has also been created, at https://www.facebook.com/events/1773942992867277.