8-Year-Old Boy Mows Lawns For Those In Need During Summer Vacation

Nov 19, 2021 by apost team

Everyone can make a difference! There are so many little acts of kindness that can go a really long way, and they don’t even have to be that big or cost a lot of money. The only limitation you have is locked in by your imagination. 

One boy from Michigan, 8-year-old JR Achterhoff, is giving back to his community by offering to mow 50 lawns for free for his elderly neighbors, veterans and single mothers. This is part of the program called the “50 Yard Challenge” which was started by Rodney Smith Jr. 

It all began in 2015 when Smith noticed an older man that was having a hard time mowing his lawn. Smith didn’t hesitate to lend a hand. That’s when he realized he had so much he could give to others just like this man.

Smith decided to make a lasting impact in his community by offering free lawn care services. Noticing the struggle for some individuals to keep their lawns maintained, Smith opened Raising Men Lawn Care Services, which provides free mowing services to the elderly, disabled, and single mothers.

While Raising Men Lawn Care Services focuses on providing free lawn care, Rodney explains that its reach goes much further than just that. This service also provides volunteer work positions for boys and girls. 

This is why he has started the “50 Yard Challenge,” which challenges kids aged 7 to 17 to mow lawns for their neighbors and, since May 2021, around 1,500 people have already participated.

JR is one of the many who pledged to mow 50 lawns during his 2021 summer vacation. Read on to learn more about his goal and the “50 Yard Challenge.” 

Smith was only 15 when he offered to mow his elderly neighbor’s yard for the first time. “That night, I just decided I’ll start mowing free lawns for the elderly, disabled, single parents, and veterans. And eventually, that one small act of kindness changed my life forever,” Smith said in an interview with the Epoch Times.

It was only a matter of time before others started to follow in Smith’s footsteps, and now children all over the country have taken part in volunteering. “I remember one parent in Michigan,” Smith recalled. “She told me her son was isolated and he kept to himself. But when he started taking the 50 Yard Challenge, he started becoming friendly with everyone.” Helping others really can be a transformative experience. 

Satisfaction isn’t the only reward for the challenge; Smith has also offered T-Shirts from his organization, Raising Men Lawn Care Services, for those who participate. “If they accept this challenge, they make a sign saying they accept the challenge and in return, we send them a white Raising Men, or even a Raising Women, T-shirt along with shades and ear protection,” Smith shared in the same interview.

Inspiring others to help those who need it is one of the greatest acts of service you can offer. 

The Raising Men organization is doing outstanding work. 

Smith shared, “Every single day I’m outside mowing free lawns for those in need, and it’s a beautiful thing to see kids wanting to do the same. No one’s forcing them, and they’re wanting to get out there and make a difference in their community—one lawn at a time.”

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JR is a busy young boy who juggled his summer schedule of swim and soccer practice with his goal to mow 50 lawns for those who need a little help cutting the grass. One of those in need was Kathy Peoples. 

“It was cute. He had such a great demeanor about him,” she said to WKBW. “Anything that you can do to encourage the kids to do respectful things. It’s a good thing.”

JR pledged to take the “50 Yard Challenge” because he enjoys doing the right thing. “I get to help people,” he said with excitement. JR’s father, John Achterhoff, added: “He loves helping people. He loves shoveling. He loves raking. He loves doing whatever he can to help people that struggle.” 

The boy started his mowing journey on June 25, 2021, and was using a push mower to start out. “You got one down, what do you think about 49 more,” John asked his son. “I think I can do it, he says.” After the first few yards, he was given a lawnmower that is self-propelled, and now the 8-year-old is able to mow a little easier. 

Flyers for JR’s lawn services were placed at the American Legion in Whitehall, the White Lake Eagles, and VFW posts in Montague and North Muskegon, Michigan. The information was posted on Facebook as well. John explained, “Really hoping to be able to connect with some veterans, police officers, firefighters, people with reduced mobility, elderly.”

It’s so amazing to see young people who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

Would you or someone you know take up a challenge like this? Maybe you have some ideas for your own program. Let us know and be sure to pass this story on to your friends and family!