In Warner Robins, Georgia, a 9-year-old boy is making connections with his community by mowing lawns. As part of a service initiative called the “50 Yard Challenge,” Jesse Ward is reaching out to elderly and disabled neighbors, veterans, single moms, and health care workers.
RMLCS then sends a white T-shirt, earplugs, and safety glasses as a “starter kit.” Kids can earn a different colored shirt for every 10 lawns mowed, culminating in a black shirt for completion of the challenge.
After reaching 50 lawns, each child will also receive a visit from RMLCS team members, plus a brand-new lawn mower, weed eater, and blower.
“One person said, ‘This is the best my yard has ever looked,’” a proud Jesse told the news outlet. “And then the other person said, ‘My yard looks really good, thank you.’”
Jesse has set himself an additional challenge: he plans to mow 50 lawns by the end of October. He seems set to meet his target; his Facebook page has nearly 500 followers.
The satisfaction of a job well done hasn’t been Jesse’s only reward. Since his venture went public, the industrious 9-year-old has received notes, gifts, and donations from well-wishers to help him along.
Jennifer says her son enjoys paying it forward. “Just because he feels good about himself doing it ... it makes me feel good that it makes him happy,” she explained.