This young man started mowing lawns for his elderly neighbours and something beautiful grew

Do you remember the days when neighbours used to be like family? You could pop next door and have a chat, borrow sugar and even count on them for emergencies. Many people feel that things are different now, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost in today’s world.

This is Rodney Smith Jr. and he is setting an example not only to his peers but also to his entire community.

While most college kids prefer to hang out with friends or work part time between classes, Rodney who studies at the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University chooses to mow the lawn for the elderly – for free.

“One day, I saw an elderly man cutting grass and he looked like he was struggling,” said Rodney.

“So it came to me, I should do something about it.

“And that’s when I decided to cut lawns for the elderly, disabled, single parent mothers for free.

“I’m capable of cutting grass because I’m young. I’m able. A lot of elderly people are not able,” he said.

What started as a random act of kindness has transformed into a meaningful movement. Rodney went on to establish the Raising Men Lawn Care Service where volunteers join his in mowing lawns for free. When volunteers mow their first lawn, they’re given the white shirt and by the time they reach 50 lawns, they get the coveted black tee.

Well done, Rodney! Watch his inspiring story…

Do you miss those times when neighbours used to be more than people who live next door? Do you wish we had something like this here?