Rake-a-Thon offers chance to help others



Rake-a-Thon in 2007 participants.

Colder temperatures are settling in as autumn continues and of course, leaves are falling and piling up in yards across Forest City.


To help area residents, Waldorf College students, staffers and faculty members are invited to join in raking and bagging leaves for people in need during Rake-a-Thon from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 in Forest City. Participants are asked to meet at 1 p.m.  in Salveson lobby.

Organizers are asking those interested in participating as an individual or as a team to register at the Campus Information Center.

Sponsored by Student Life and Student Senate, the Rake-a-Thon pairs participants with residents around town who request help. The event is in its sixth year.

As an incentive this year, Student Life is conducting prize drawings for students who participate. Two $50 gift cards for individuals and four $100 gift cards for teams of five or more students will be offered. Employees could be eligible for one of the two individual prizes. Also, Student Life will host a party for the residence hall floor with the most participants.

Many residents who request assistance are elderly and more than appreciate the help, said Jason Ramaker, dean of students. He said it is not uncommon for people to offer hot chocolate or other treats as volunteers clear their yards. Ramaker hopes for a big turnout this year.

“We hope to get 30 to 40 kids,” Ramaker said. “The more we get, the less work it will be for everyone.”


Raking leaves each fall is a task many may dread each year. For some students, however, the job is something new.

“Some students come from areas where they don’t rake,” Ramaker said.

Alicia Danielson, a senior who is majoring in history with minors in humanities and religion, is no stranger to helping out. She has participated in Rake-a-Thon for three years, taking part with her residence hall floor and History Club.

“I love Rake-a-Thon because it allows me to meet and get to know various members of the community,” Danielson said. “The people who sign up for Rake-a-Thon are always so friendly and accommodating, and they are fun to spend time with.”

Rake-a-Thon also provides a “wonderful opportunity” to help friends and neighbors in the Forest City community, Danielson said.

“It’s kind of fun when you’re done,” Ramaker added. “You feel good about it.”