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Volunteers needed for Rake Across DeKalb

October 5, 2011

Photo of an NIU student raking during NIU Cares DayNIU Student Involvement & Leadership Development (SILD) is in search of volunteers to participate in its annual Rake Across DeKalb event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.

Volunteers from the NIU community (students, faculty and staff) go into the community to assist area residents and non-profit organizations with lawn clean-up in preparation for winter.

This service opportunity allows NIU students the ability to give back to the local DeKalb community as well engage with local community residents.

“This event stemmed from the interest of students who have been heavily involved with our spring NIU Cares Day event,” says Becky Harlow, assistant director for Community Service and coordinator of the event. “NIU students are always looking for ways to interact with the residents of DeKalb County and to lend a hand to those in need. We think this event is a great example of our students’ interest in taking care of their community.”

Rake Across DeKalb hopes to aid local residents who are unable to keep up with the increased lawn care needed in the fall to prepare for the winter months.

Volunteers at the event would assist local residents with their basic lawn care needs that the individuals are unable to undertake on their own. Some of the most common tasks are raking lawns and clearing flower beds.

Not only does volunteering at the event help the individual residents and non-profit organizations, but it also helps the community to continue to look cared for and well-maintained.

Volunteers may register as individuals or in teams of eight or less. Student organizations looking to get involved are encouraged to register multiple volunteer teams. Each team registering needs to identify the primary contact person who will serve as the Team Lead. Registration for the event is due Monday, Oct. 24.

If an individual is not available to help at the event, SILD is also looking for donations of rakes, gloves and/or large leaf bags to help residents and organizations who cannot provide rakes for the number of volunteers needed. Any donations are appreciated to help make this program possible.

Volunteers can register for the event online; complete the registration form and submit via mail, e-mail or fax.

For more information, contact Harlow at (815) 753-6703 or email rharlow@niu.edu.