It’s no secret that finding time to mow the lawn can be a hassle, perhaps even more so for first responders who are constantly on call for emergencies.
That’s why Rodney Smith Jr., owner of Huntsville-based Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service, is stopping through Columbus to mow the lawn of a Lowndes County volunteer firefighter later this month.
Smith told The Dispatch he plans on stopping in Columbus in late September as part of his 16th 50 State Mowing Tour, a nationwide effort to offer free mowing services to those in need and promote youth community service.
“I started touring back in 2017 and just went on for the sake of making people aware of the organization,” Smith said. “Then I eventually started mowing for different causes like breast cancer, children with cancer, veterans, the police and I’ve mowed for autism awareness. Doing that just kind of grew it into what it is today.”
Encouraging youth community service
Smith founded Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service in 2016 after pulling over to assist an elderly man in mowing his lawn in Huntsville. Seeing the impact of that one deed, Smith also started the 50-yard challenge, which encourages minors to cut 50 lawns at no charge for the elderly, disabled, single parents and veterans. Enrolled participants receive free T-shirts for every 10 yards serviced and a weed eater and mower upon completion.
When Smith started the program, he had only a handful of children mowing lawns around Huntsville for those in need. Now, more than 5,000 nationwide have volunteered their free time to assist Smith with his mission.
“It’s a good feeling for them to mow lawns for those in need,” he said. “You know, one day I’m going to get old and hopefully, the program is still around, and kids could help me one day. It’s a much-needed service.”
Highlighting the service of firefighters
As part of his visit to Columbus, Smith said he will also interview the firefighter on his job and why he does it.
“I get to interview them and share their story,” he said. “It’s just something unique and people will gravitate towards it. Every story is different and unique in its own way. I greatly appreciate people who have taken to the idea (of having their lawn mowed and doing an interview) and helped out with my mission for doing this.”
LVFD Coordinator Neal Austin said he is glad Smith is coming to interview and recognize one of his crew members.
“To me, that’s a big deal and would be interesting,” Austin said. “It’s huge because (those firefighters) get a lot of work to do, but they don’t get a lot of pay for it.”
Smith said he also hopes some Columbus youth will join the 50-Yard Challenge program during his visit and said anyone interested in applying can do so on his website, weareraisingmen.com.
“Kids have been involved since the start of the program,” he said. “Our basic idea of the program is basically built around them also because the challenge was started nationally too.”
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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