Local youths help mow lawns of residents in need

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- Randy Schaefer is a man of many titles: a man of faith, a grandparent, and a proud Marine.

“For me, I get up, I do my devotion, I read my Bible for a couple of hours,” Schaefer said.

One of the most important things to him is taking time to tidy up around his house with his next-door neighbors.

“Between the three of us, we’re always mowing the yard and getting it done. I kind of enjoy it,” Schaefer said.

But a Facebook post from a dad and his two kids piqued his interest.

“[He] wrote a little deal on Facebook about his kids wanting to get into this program. If they mow 50 yards for free, they get a lawnmower and all this equipment, and I thought that would be awesome,” Schaefer said.

He reached out to Tyler Carey and his two kids, Daniel and Avalynn.

The two were on a mission to mow lawns across Columbus, set out by Rodney Smith Jr.

“He was mowing lawns for families who dealt with cancer," Tyler said. "My grandpa had passed away from male breast cancer, so he mowed a lawn for my grandma. That’s when we first heard about him."

Kids around the country are mowing 50 yards for people who need it.

For the elderly, disabled, and, in Schaefer’s case, veterans.

“They didn’t screw around. They did a job and did it well," Schaefer said. "Of course, they got treated to some popsicles afterward. It was a hot day, so they deserved those; they earned them."

The two aren’t done yet.

They’re going for another 50 lawns, assisting those who need it, and chasing that great feeling they get when the hard work is done.

“I like helping people in need. Really, anything I can do to help them with,” Daniel said.

“Same as him. I like helping out the community,” Avalynn added.