Raking Leaves For Seniors: Nutley Tradition Unites Family Members

NUTLEY, NJ — When they were just Girl Scouts, Athina and Sofia Pramagioulis and their mother, Gina, unknowingly started a new family tradition when they began raking leaves at a local senior’s house. Now, that annual commitment has stretched into its 15th year – one of many such successful and inspiring partnerships that have blossomed under Nutley’s Random Acts of Kindness Extended to Seniors (RAKES) program.

This fall, the town’s popular outreach program matched up 75 elderly residents with more than 125 volunteers, who cleaned and bagged leaves outside their homes.

The Pramagioulis family is among the Nutley residents who took part in the inaugural event 15 years ago. They’ve been returning ever since, with Athina and Sofia coming back from college to carry on the tradition.

Their dedication – and that of others in the RAKE program – hasn’t escaped the eyes of local elected officials.

“The Pramagioulis family has developed a special relationship with Mrs. Dolocheck over these many years,” Mayor Joseph Scarpelli said.

“To see that the long-term commitment of the girls and the bond they developed because of this program is very rewarding,” Scarpelli added.

The mayor said that there are many other volunteers to thank for the yearly effort: local Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops, the International Club, the Nutley High School football team and athletic programs, and several other civic groups.

“Our citizens, along with the town’s many civic and service organizations, continue to make a difference in our community,” Scarpelli said. “It is this volunteer spirit that makes Nutley a unique and special place to live and work.”

According to the town's website, the RAKES program provides an alternative to seniors and those who are disabled and unable to rake their leaves. Residents seeking help must be over 60 and/or be disabled, own and live in the home requiring raking assistance, and be unable to afford help.

Residents can call (973) 284-4958 or email cgaccione@nutleynj.org to either apply or volunteer for the program.

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