For the City Times  

STEVENS POINT – Yards and volunteers are needed for the United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center’s annual Make A Difference Day Rake-a-thon on Oct. 26.

 “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,” explained United Way of Portage County Community Services Program Specialist Kelly Skeels. “For many frail or disabled residents who do not have family nearby to help out, the volunteer rakers help alleviate their worries and make a significant difference in just a few short hours.”

Skeels noted that 150 yards are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To rake these yards, Skeels said more than 500 volunteers are needed.

To register a yard to be raked, call 211, 1-800-922-5590, or 715-341-6740. Registration ends Oct. 11.

Register a team of two or more to rake at www.volunteersrock.org. Organizations who wish to create a team-building exercise are encouraged to email Skeels at [email protected], as yards are available for these exercises Oct. 21-25.

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