Nutley Volunteers Spend Holiday Raking Leaves For Seniors, Disabled Homeowners

NUTLEY, NJ — There’s a lot of love in those leaves.

More than 70 volunteers in Nutley recently spend their Thanksgiving holiday weekend cleaning and bagging leaves at over 40 homes belonging to senior and disabled residents – all part of the town’s ongoing Random Acts of Kindness Extended to Seniors (RAKES) program.

The program is now in its 17th season, and it’s still going strong. It supports residents aged 60 and older – as well as people with disabilities – who own and occupy homes in need of service and are unable to afford paid help.

RAKES encourages participation from businesses, churches, civic groups, schools, neighborhood organizations and local high school students, who can apply their volunteer hours toward community service requirements for college.

The program was first conceived during Nutley High School’s Student Government Day, when a student proposed a community leaf-raking effort. Since then, it has grown into a cherished annual tradition, supported by scout troops, athletic teams and several community organizations.

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Department of Public Works Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli thanked this year’s group of volunteers for donating their time and efforts.

“The Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops, the International Club, the Nutley High School football team and athletic programs, along with a number of other students and civic groups, all helped make this one of our most successful years,” Scarpelli said, adding a “special thank you to Mr. Piro and Coach Helm” for their assistance in making the program a success.

“Our citizens, along with the town’s many civic and service organizations, continue to make a difference in our community,” Scarpelli said.

“It is this volunteer spirit that makes Nutley a unique and special place to live and work,” he added.

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