Rodney Smith Jr. is making a difference across communities one lawn at a time. He is the founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service, a nonprofit organization that provides free lawn care to the elderly, those who are disabled, single parents, and veterans.
He’s not just maintaining lawns, he’s shaping the youth of the future as well, helping girls and boys understand their value in society.
“I wanted to use this as an outlet, so kids could put down the video games and get out there in the community and give back because I believe it’s important for kids to learn how to give back before they receive things,” Rodney Smith Jr told Cheddar Wednesday.
He's challenging kids to cut 50 lawns for free for those who need it most. For every 10 lawns cut, they get a new Raising Men or Raising Women shirt in different colors. Once they get to 50 lawns, they get a new color shirt along with a brand new lawnmower, weed eater, and blower that Smith said he would personally deliver to anywhere in the country.
The organizer said about 50 kids have completed this challenge and 750 are currently taking it on.
“They are becoming active in their community and that's a beautiful thing to see,” Smith said.
Smith also added that amid the coronavirus pandemic he started what he called a "mow and drop" service that includes grocery drop-offs along with lawn care for those stuck inside.
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