Long Branch-Area Teen Wants To Mow 100 Yards, For Free

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Sure, time's have been tough. And they might get tougher. But there are everyday people doing really nice things — and they might live right down the block from you.

At Patch, we partnered with Ring to find local heroes. A reader in Long Branch nominated local teen Evan Hampson, who lives in Neptune and mows lawns for the elderly, disabled and U.S. veterans — entirely for free.

Name: Evan Hampson, 17

Hometown: Neptune

Why: He started mowing my friend’s lawn two years ago, when he was only 15 or 16. Evan mows lawns for the elderly, disabled, single mothers and veterans. Evan gives of his time and effort to mow the lawns and he does so cheerfully and with compassion. He is kind, polite and hard working, and gives of himself to ensure others are cared for.

Evan does not get paid for mowing lawns. He does it voluntarily in cooperation with Jersey Shore Raising Men Lawn Care Service, an offshoot of this organization launched in Huntsville, Alabama, called Raising Men Lawn Care Service of Huntsville. Evan has already reached his first goal of mowing 50 lawns during the past six months, and is working on his second 50.

The organization was started by Rodney Smith, Jr. who said: "We provide free lawn care to the elderly, disabled, single moms and veterans. We have over 400+ kids nationwide & worldwide taking part in our 50-yard challenge by doing the same thing in their communities. This is for boys and girls ages 7-17 and the program is a platform for our youth to give back to those in need who are single mothers, veterans, elderly and those who are disabled, by mowing, raking lawns and shoveling snow from their driveways for FREE."

"Our kids gain a variety of valuable lawn care and social skills. If you know if someone who would benefit from our services, please contact us at info@weareraisingmen.com."

Thank you, Evan Hampson!