Registration opens for Make a Difference Day Rake-a-thon

Yards and volunteers are needed for the United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center’s annual Make A Difference Day Rake-a-thon on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Kelly Skeels, United Way of Portage County Community Services Program Specialist, said people can register yards to be raked for themselves or for others they know may need the help.

“Members of the community will come together to rake yards for Portage County residents who need assistance due to physical barriers or cannot afford raking services,” said Skeels. “For many frail or disabled residents who do not have family nearby to help out, the volunteer rakers help alleviate their worries and make a significant difference in just a few short hours.”

People who would like to register a yard to be raked by community volunteers should call 2-1-1 (Cellular customers dial 1-800-922-5590) or contact United Way of Portage County at 715-341-6740. Skeels noted that 150 yards are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration ends Friday, Oct. 11. People can also register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XPNFGCW.

To rake these yards, Skeels said more than 500 volunteers are needed. People can sign up today by registering their volunteer team of two or more people at www.volunteersrock.org. Simply create a team name, gather the names of the team participants and fill in the requested information.

In addition, organizations who wish to put together a team as a team-building exercise are encouraged to email Skeels at kelly@unitedwaypoco.org, as yards are available for these exercises throughout the work week of Oct. 21-25.

For more information, email kelly@unitedwaypoco.org or call United Way of Portage County at 715-341-6740.