Later this fall, local volunteers will once again to asked to take up arms — or rather, rakes — to assist local seniors in battling a scourge southwest Michigan residents have come to know and hate.

The massive legion of golden brown leaves, occupying the lawns and gutters of homes across the region.

The United Way of Southwest Michigan is once again recruiting brave men and women to stand up to the fallen foliage menace during the service organization’s annual Senior Day of Action, which takes place Thursday, Nov. 3. Sign-ups for volunteers as well as for seniors wishing to receive assistance through the cleanup are now open, available on the United Way website at http://www.uwsm.org/dayofactionforseniors.

Now in its sixth year, the fall event is a chance for volunteers to help out seniors living in Berrien and Cass counties, raking up and bagging leaves that have piled on lawns as well as cleaning out gutters that have become clogged by the vegetation.

“It is one of those things we all have to deal with during the fall,” said Doug Ferrall, director of programs and evaluation with the United Way. “Some seniors, though, cannot physically do the work or cannot afford to hire someone to do it for them due to their fixed income.”

People who sign up are given the option to volunteer in either half-day shifts, before or after lunch, or to help out throughout the entire workday, as well as choose which part of Berrien or Cass counties they wish to help out in. Work typically begins around 9 or 9:30 a.m. and wraps up around 4 to 4:30 p.m., Ferrall said.

Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in teams of 10 or more, though smaller teams are also accepted. Based on the size of the team, volunteers can expect to visit two to three houses if they are only working one shift, while those who have signed up for both will be given between four to five, Ferrall said.

The number of volunteers needed for the event will vary based on the amount of seniors who sign up for assistance, Ferrall said.

“We have never had to turn away any seniors because the community always shows up to help,” Ferrall said.

Since its inception, the program has grown in participation every year, with people teaming with coworkers, classmates or family members to pitch in, Ferrall said. Last year was the largest Senior Day of Action yet, with more than 640 people assisting 200 seniors throughout both counties.

“One of the reasons we have grown so much is because the volunteers who participate have a great time, and want to keep helping out again and again,” he said.

The deadline for sign-ups is Oct. 14.

Seniors who wish to receive assistance but who do not have access to a computer can call the United Way at (269) 982-1700, ext. 32, to register.