Nutley Volunteers Rake Leaves For Seniors Over Thanksgiving Weekend

NUTLEY, NJ — Dozens of Nutley seniors who aren’t able to do yardwork recently got a boost from some smiling faces as part of an annual volunteer leaf raking program.

The township’s 16th Random Acts of Kindness Extended to Seniors (RAKES) campaign took place over the Thanksgiving weekend. More than 70 volunteers pitched in, cleaning and bagging leaves at the homes of 36 local older adults.

“I would like to thank Coach Helm, Mr. Piro and the Nutley Raiders football team, the Cub Scouts, the International Club, the Pramagoulis family, and all our other volunteers for once again giving back their time to help out our seniors in raking and bagging their leaves,” Nutley Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli said.

Scarpelli pointed out that many of those involved in this year’s effort have been with the program from its first days.

“The spirit and volunteers of the RAKES program are what the holidays are all about,” Scarpelli said. “We are proud and honored to be able to help our community every year.”

The RAKES program provides an alternative to seniors and those who are disabled and unable to rake their leaves. Residents seeking help must be over 60 and/or be disabled, own and live in the home requiring raking assistance, and be unable to afford help.

For more information or an application, contact cgaccione@nutleynj.org or (973) 284-4958.

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