With fall comes the dreaded task of raking leaves. For some people it is more of a chore than others because of age, disability or sheer size of the yard. To help out those people, the Ottawa County United Way is hosting Rake-a-Difference on Nov. 7 and 8 from 8 a.m. to noon.

“Every year,  our volunteer groups set out to rake leaves and experience the great feeling of teamwork,” said Shannon Morton, Director of Volunteerism for United Way. “What most are not prepared for is the absolute gratitude they are met with at every home they visit.”

This annual volunteer event has been in motion for six years. Volunteers are split up or sign up in groups and are sent to different houses to rake. Come prepared with gloves, warm clothes and your favorite rake.  If you know of anyone who could use the help raking or are interested in participating, contact Morton at [email protected] or (616) 396-7811. Sign ups end Oct. 27.

“Volunteers are not just raking, they are making a huge difference in someone’s life,” Morton said.