Paralyzed since 1989, Ray Drake is cared for by his two older sisters. After the derecho left his yard in utter chaos, they knew they were going to need help.
But when Drake’s sister, Janice, reached out to some of his high school friends asking for a chainsaw, the response was far greater than she could’ve imagined.
So, he reached out to the Roosevelt football team to help. In no time, 30 teens had pulled together to help Drake in his time of need.
Soon, the sound of buzzing chainsaws filled the air as the athletes made quick work of the ruined yard. Wearing gloves, sawing at trunks, and rolling away huge sections of trees, the high schoolers cleaned up the mess in a mere two hours.
“I didn’t know how we were gonna do it,” Janice said, tearing up as she thanked the teenagers for their hard work. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Jackson Neary, a senior at Roosevelt High, was humble about the experience. “That’s just what people in Iowa do,” he told KCCI8. “We’re all friendly and help each other out.”
“It’s been nice to see all the sports teams pitching in,” one woman wrote. “I’ll bet their hearts feel good for all they are doing.”
“Such a kind thing to do,” said another comment. “I’m IOWA proud!!!”
Drake is Iowa proud, too. He thanked the teens as they left his home, rooting, “Go Rough Riders!” and stressing, “I’m blessed. I’m blessed.”
