On Nov. 10, more than 75 employees answered the call to help our neighbors in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties at the 12th annual United Way of Southwest Michigan's "Rake a Difference" event.
Volunteers from all three service centers in Michigan and Cook Nuclear Plant helped local senior citizens by raking leaves and cleaning gutters – important steps for winter preparation to help protect homes and lawns from damage during spring snow melt. "Rake a Difference" is a free service for seniors ages 60 and over who may not be physically able to perform the work or pay for similar services. Many seniors may otherwise attempt to do the work themselves, risking falls or serious injury.
"The homeowners we helped were very appreciative," said Mona Livingston, community affairs manager for I&M's South Bend / Elkhart and Southwest Michigan districts. "They were amazed that 'the power company folks would come out and help.' It was a great experience serving our communities and seeing the joy on the senior homeowners’ faces."
In total approximately 1,200 volunteers participated in "Rake a Difference", serving 270 homes.