Rodney Smith is on a mission to mow lawns for veterans, elderly individuals, single moms, and those who are handicapped in all 50 states.
Two years ago, Smith started Raising Men Lawn Care Service, which encourages boys and young men to give back to the community by mowing lawns for those in need, after he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn. When Smith got out of his car and helped the man finish his yard, he decided to start the organization in his hometown — Huntsville, Alabama. Now, 137 kids in the United States, and a few others abroad, are mowing lawns in their communities, Smith told CBS News.
The organization’s Instagram account features photos of kids who have accepted the “50 Yard Challenge” to mow, for free, 50 yards that belong to people in need in their communities.
Also: selfies with smiling lawn care recipients.
Last year, Smith challenged himself to mow lawns in all 50 states, which he completed thanks to help from supporters who he says do things like sponsor his rooms and give him gas cards. He also received support from the lawn care company Briggs and Stratton.
This year, he’s challenging himself to do it all again, but this time, he’s focused on speaking to schools and community centers to get more kids involved in giving back. He wants to reward the kids who’ve completed the challenge by meeting them in person and surprising them with a new lawn mower. Eventually, he’d like to setup a scholarship fund for them.
On Tuesday, Smith announced he had mowed lawns in 25 states — marking the halfway point of the challenge.
I have officially mowed in 50% of the country . I’m traveling across America mowing free lawns for the elderly, disabled, single moms, and veterans . Driving to 48 states and flying to Alaska and Hawaii . 25 states completed 25 more to go ! Started May 17th 2018 . pic.twitter.com/LqCPlYXyjm
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) June 12, 2018
You can learn more about RMLCS and buy a shirt or donate to support the project here.