Help a military family through GreenCare
Fourth of July is the holiday we celebrate our independence from British rule. While we celebrate it with fireworks, barbecues and general revelry, it’s also a day to remember the sacrifice of soldiers on the battlefield more than 200 years ago.
Our military is still making sacrifices for us in far-flung places. Back home, their families are holding things together waiting for the day their soldier, sailor, airman or marine returns. It’s not easy.
When a service member deploys, the remaining spouse or family member gets to do the job of two people. One way to show your appreciation for their sacrifices is to volunteer to mow the lawn of a hero’s family as part of the GreenCare for Troops project.
GreenCare for Troops is a nationwide outreach program coordinated by Project EverGreen that connects volunteers in local communities with military families who need help with yard chores like mowing, weeding, edging, pruning, aerating, weed-eating and general yard maintenance all at no cost to the military family.
Since its inception in 2005, the program has helped more than 1,300 volunteers provide free lawn and landscape services for more than 5,400 military families across the country often lifting the burden off young families far from family and friends.
You don’t have to have a lot of equipment to get involved; just a desire to help a military family. Both individuals and lawn-care professionals are welcome, and each volunteer sets his/her own level of involvement. The GreenCare for Troops program does all the matching of volunteers with eligible military families with members deployed in the Middle East.
To get involved, go to Project EverGreen’s Web site; www.projectevergreen.com/gcft or call at (877) 758 4835. If you are a military family needing yard care go to the Get Care box. If you want to volunteer go to the Volunteer box and sign up in either the individual or the professional category. Both groups have a short application to fill out that will ask what care you need or can give and your contact information. GreenCare for Troops does the rest.
Project EverGreen’s overall mission is to raise the awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of landscapes and promote the significance of those who preserve and enhance green spaces at home, work and play. GreenCare for Troops lets military families have a well-kept green space to relax in and wait for their hero to come home.