All 24 SUNY Oswego athletic teams are taking to the community on Nov. 6 to rake leaves for the elderly. They are still looking for ten more people who would like their yards raked.

In its 17th year at SUNY Oswego, the project is part of an annual statewide community service project by Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) chapters at some SUNY Athletic Conference colleges. SAAC’s mission is to generate a student-athlete voice among Oswego’s intercollegiate teams and to enhance school spirit within athletics.

Student athletes will receive a list of yards that need raking, and fan out to provide this service on Nov. 6. According to Daniel Witmer, the community services events coordinator for athletics, many coaches and assistant coaches also roll up their sleeves and participate. He says the most rewarding part of this event is the impact that it has on community members and students alike. 

“[I love] listening to the seniors call to get on the list, they appreciate the event very much. Many of the seniors provide refreshments and a few make monetary donations to the athletic department or the specific teams. I think it helps all parties. It’s a great team-building exercise, with freshmen working side by side with upperclassmen,” Witmer said via email. 

Senior citizens can register to have their yards raked by contacting Witmer at his SUNY Oswego email daniel.witmer@oswego.edu. The project is limited to the first 50 yards registered and offered to seniors living in Oswego. There are only ten spots still available. Homeowners must provide their own leaf or garbage bags. 

In addition, SUNY Oswego’s SAAC chapter welcomes any additional donations of rakes, tarpaulins, gloves or refreshments to help with this sizable volunteer effort.

Photo via Ruslan Khmelevsky via Pexels