8-26-2026 7:14pm

Somerset County Seeking Teams of Volunteers to Rake Leaves, Perform Basic Yard Work for Older Adults and Disabled Homeowners this Thanksgiving

Donnella Tilery Editor

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): For over 30 years, hundreds of residents have volunteered for Somerset County’s Fall Leaf Clean Up Project. The community outreach event, which is open to adult and youth volunteers, provides older adults and disabled homeowners with free, basic yard work.

“This longstanding tradition of community service between neighbors reflects the importance of volunteerism in Somerset County,” said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner.

“The simple act of raking and bagging leaves has a tremendous impact on homeowners and volunteers alike. This amazing project, which is run by the Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services, has truly strengthened the sense of our community for decades.”

This year, volunteers can choose any date (or dates) between Saturday, November 14, and Saturday, November 21, 2026. Volunteer teams can include friends and family, school clubs, scout troops, church groups or any group of four adults or teams of youth, which need to include at least one adult, aged 18 or older. Groups must register as a team.

Paige Mahler, a lifelong Bridgewater resident and troop leader of Girl Scouts Troop 61150, said the experience of volunteering was not only fun, but rewarding and meaningful.

“Volunteering has demonstrated a clear and meaningful impact on the community,” said Mahler. “The primary populations we serve are older adults and individuals with disabilities who may struggle to complete physically demanding tasks on their own. Through these experiences, the Girl Scouts learn valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, perseverance, and the importance of giving back to their community. They see firsthand how working together can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life.”

Mahler also mentioned that the sight of a freshly cleaned yard for homeowners who are unable to clear leaves and debris themselves, was often accompanied by a strong sense of relief, gratitude, and happiness.

“Clearing a yard full of leaves can take hours of work, even with a crew of 10 to 20 volunteers,” said Mahler. “For someone attempting to complete the same job alone, the task can feel nearly impossible. Each service project is completed with the genuine goal of helping those in need and making a positive difference in their lives. The gratitude and appreciation expressed by the homeowners is unmistakable. Their reactions remind us that even a few hours of our time and effort can make a significant difference in someone’s life and strengthen the community as a whole.”

People interested in volunteering can learn more about registering, volunteer guidelines, and more by visiting: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UG6_NGA5cEOd8UKHbjWQmWEji5y3xZ9FkXnTpQJ1ngtUNUhGT1ZRWjhEOFg4UDJFMDdCUENLSjZWTiQlQCN0PWcu

Residents interested in having their yards raked can register after Thursday, October 1, 2026. More information about how to register will be available soon.

For additional information, contact the Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services at VolunteerSvs@somersetcountynj.gov or call (908) 704-6300.

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About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.