SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — Before winter hits, raking the yard and cleaning out the gutters can be a vital step to ensuring spring snow melt does not cause water damage to a home or lawn. Many area seniors try to accomplish this work on their own, putting them at risk for falls and serious injury. To prevent this, United Way of Southwest Michigan is inviting the community to give them a helping hand when prepping for winter.

On Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, hundreds of area volunteers, working as teams, will help seniors in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties rake and bag leaves and clean gutters as part of United Way’s ninth annual Day of Action for Seniors. The service is free of charge and serves seniors, age 60 and older, who are unable to perform yard work and can’t afford to pay for services. Seniors are helped on a first-come, first-served basis, dependent on the number of volunteers available.

“We are very excited that this is the first year we’ll also be serving Van Buren County for Rake A Difference,” said Anna Murphy, president of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “Winterizing your home is hard work, and not everyone can do it on their own. This Day of Action for Seniors is a great way to make a big impact in our community.”

Volunteers can sign up at uwsm.org/rakeadifference by Oct. 11. Seniors can sign up by calling 211 or (844) 875-9211 by Oct. 17.

Volunteers are encouraged to snap photos during Rake A Difference on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Facebook page. Fans will vote on their favorite photo, and the winner will receive a delicious prize package and a cool Rake A Difference trophy. Photos must be posted to Facebook using the hashtag #RAKEADIFFERENCE to be eligible to win.

Major sponsors are The Home Depot Foundation & The Home Depot Benton Harbor Store #2768 and Indiana Michigan Power, an AEP Company/Cook Plant. Silver sponsors are Ausco Products, Competitive Edge, French Paper Company, and Gast Manufacturing. Bronze sponsors are Andrews University, Horizon Bank, Kruggel Lawton CPAs, Lindberg/MPH, Niles Precision Company, Silver Beach Pizza, United Federal Credit Union, and Vail Rubber Works.