Leaf Raking Challenge Was a Success!

Two weekends ago, (I know, I’m a little behind on reporting) I challenged the NeighborLink and greater Fort Wayne community to take the Leaf Raking Challenge. The challenge was to either take projects from our website or mobilize yourselves to help rake leaves in your neighborhood for folks you knew needed help. 

I’ve been receiving feedback from those that let me know they participated and I’d say the Leaf Raking Challenge was a success again this year. 

Approximately 40 yards were raked on that Saturday by right around 100 people in about a 2-3 hour time frame. That’s 40 homeowners who received helped and receive the encouragement of volunteers stepping into a gap they could not fill on their own.

I know I had a great time with a few other families in my neighborhood raking that day. We were able to get 10 yards done for folks that we knew couldn’t physically do the work and who have had a tough year. As we went from house to house deciding who to do next, we were reminded about the specific situations each household is facing in life. It reminded me that no matter where you live, there are people surrounding you daily that are having a tough time and could use a simple gesture of kindness and grace like raking leaves. Working together as families also took all of our relationships one step deeper, which is what we’re striving for in our neighborhood. Our neighbors are quickly moving from just neighbors to friends.

The best part about a grassroots effort like the Leaf Raking Challenge is that it never has to end. I know there are at least 10 leaf raking projects at NeighborLinkFortWayne.org right now of elderly and people with disabilities that need help getting there leaves raked to the curb. The more we do now, the less that have to be bagged. Don’t let this simple opportunity to serve pass you by.