For the City Times

STEVENS POINT  – Volunteers and yards are needed for the United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center’s annual Make A Difference Day Rake-a-thon on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Cecily Mileski, United Way of Portage County Volunteer Engagement Associate said more than 500 volunteers are needed for the event. “Members of the community will come together to rake yards for Portage County residents who need assistance due to physical barriers or cannot afford raking services,” said Mileski. “For many frail or disabled residents who do not have family nearby to help out, the volunteer raking teams relieve their worries and make a significant difference in just a few short hours.”

People can sign up today by registering their volunteer team of two or more people at www.volunteersrock.org. Simply create a team name, gather the names of the team participants and fill in the requested information.

Mileski said people can also register yards to be raked for themselves or for others they know may need the help. People who would like to register a yard to be raked by community volunteers should call 2-1-1 (Cellular customers dial 1-800-922-5590) or contact United Way of Portage County at 715-341-6740. She noted that 150 yards are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration ends Friday, Oct. 12.

For more information, visit www.unitedwaypoco.org, email [email protected] or call United Way of Portage County at 715-341-6740.