Fall leaves are beautiful but they can cause problems. In light of this issue, WSU’s Center for Civic Engagement is calling on students and locals to lend a hand at their first “Rake a Difference Day” event. The organization will host the community service event on Nov. 16, where volunteers will rake leaves around College Hill in hopes of clearing water drains and cleaning up fallen leaves.
The CCE event takes place on Nov. 16 at 1-3 p.m. on College Hill and is in partnership with the College Hill Association, ASWSU and the College Hill Matters committee. The event welcomes long-time residents, students and greek row neighbors to rake leaves to clear up sidewalks as well as prepare leaf piles for the City of Pullman’s annual leaf pickup service.
Participants need to bring their Cougar Card and meet at Ruby Street Park at 12:45 p.m. to check out a rake and gloves. ASWSU will provide hot chocolate and snacks to volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis.
The goal of the event is to rake neighbors’ yards (with permission), clear sidewalks and clear storm drains to avoid future flooding.
“Raking and properly removing leaves prevents them from clogging storm drains, which can lead to street flooding and water drainage issues that affect the entire neighborhood,” event coordinator Jessica Perone said. “It also helps maintain healthy lawns and public spaces by preventing leaf piles from smothering grass and creating slippery hazards on sidewalks.”
Pullman’s Residential Leaf Collection is separated into different days and quadrants based on location. The resource will be available from Nov. 10 to 26 and will begin at Pioneer Hill, Military Hill, Sunnyside Hill and the leaf cleanup will conclude on College Hill.
The City of Pullman asks that participants do not bag the leaves and instead rake the leaves to the curb for accessible pickup.
To those part of WSU’s Greek life, Panhellenic Council will be gifting a pizza and energy drink party to the Panhellenic chapter with the most participants attending the event.
“While it is typically the renter’s responsibility to maintain the property and adjacent sidewalks, many renters and students living in Greek houses may not have access to the necessary tools,” said Perone.
Rake a Difference Day will borrow 75 rakes from local resources like the Pullman School District, Pullman Parks & Recreation, WSU Facilities, Domas Landscaping and Leland Lawn. Events like these show how a community can come together to support their environment and neighbors. Dress appropriately to prepare Pullman for the winter and to help support your community.
Perone said the organizers of Rake a Difference Day hope to make it an annual tradition that promotes safety awareness, educates the community about Pullman city codes and strengthens neighborhood connections.
With the help of hot chocolate, music and community spirit, “Rake a Difference Day” offers an easy way to get involved right here in Pullman. By raking leaves and clearing storm drains, volunteers will prevent neighborhoods from flooding and create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.
