Volunteers to help area seniors with yard work

By: Jodi Sheridan - Texarkana Gazette -

Published: 06/14/2007

Senior citizens who are unable to keep their yards clean will soon have some relief from volunteers happy to push a lawn mower. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is beginning its third year of cleaning and mowing yards for disabled and low-income senior citizens in Bowie, Miller and Little River counties. Cecelia Cole, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, said a number of seniors cannot withstand the hot summer weather to maintain their yards. And there are many who can’t afford to hire someone. “We want to make sure their lawns are cleaned,” said Cole.

RSVP is recruiting volunteers from agencies, churches and individuals to adopt a yard or two for the summer and maintain it by doing regular yard work, like mowing, raking and weed trimming. Cole said each volunteer could adopt up to two yards, and would be required to work on them at least every other Saturday. They will not be required to spend more than two hours per week on any project. But she said they can work on the yards anytime they like.

“We want it flexible for them,” said Cole. RSVP also has several lawn mowers available as well as rakes. Cole said many volunteers provide their own equipment. “We’re just glad if anybody can help ... we’d be so grateful,” she said.

The program begins Saturday and goes through Sept. 1. In determining who is eligible, Cole said she conducts interviews over the phone with seniors interested. She said most who call qualify. “I really don’t turn down people too often,” she said.

Cole said there is a waiting list. There are liability forms to fill out, for both the seniors and volunteers. The service is free, but RSVP will take donations. For more information on the service or to become a volunteer, call the RSVP office at 870-779-4983.