'Batavia Is Truly Blessed': Leaf Raking To Help Seniors Coming Up

BATAVIA, IL — Know someone who needs help raking leaves in their yard? On Sunday, Batavia United Way is organizing its annual effort to help senior citizens and people with disabilities in Batavia who might need a helping hand.

Ahead of the "Day of Caring," organizers are looking for volunteers to help for two hours, starting at 1 p.m. The meet-up is planned on the front lawn of Suicide Prevention Services, 528 S. Batavia Ave. There, helpers will be given an address on the east or west side to visit with a small group.

Some driving might be required to get to the address, and people volunteering are expected to bring their own rake and gloves. The yards will only be raked — no mowing or weeding.

"The senior citizens and those with physical limitations we serve are happy to have your help and are counting on you getting all leaves raked to the curb," organizers wrote in the event's description.

In his weekly video address to city residents, Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke encouraged people to sign up. He also commended the community for their acts of kindness.

"Batavia is truly blessed to have ... people [who want to do] nice deeds and acts of friendship every day and how fortunate we are to live in a community where we have such bright souls and loving hearts that are out there doing it," the mayor said on YouTube.

Updates about the event and a sign-up for volunteering can be found on this website. To add an address of someone who needs their yard raked to the list for Sunday, people can email info@bataviaunitedway.org or call 630-877-2780.

Any questions about the Day of Caring can be emailed to Batavia United Way board member Pam Kent at pamkent71@gmail.com.

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