Paying a good deed forward is something we all could use more of these days. The loyal volunteers of Project EverGreen’s GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops programs do this each and every time they cut grass, fertilize a lawn or plow a driveway.
For a group of these volunteers, paying it forward takes on a special meaning, especially when they and their families have walked in the same shoes of the people they are helping out.
Project EverGreen’s Heroes Helping Heroes include veterans, active-duty military members or first responders who have registered to provide complimentary lawn care, basic landscape or snow plowing services to families of deployed military personnel.
VIEW A COMPLETE LIST of Heroes Helping Heroes volunteers.
“Not only have these individuals proudly served or are currently serving our country, but they are willing to go the extra mile and help military families during their time of greatest need,” says Cindy Code, executive director of the Project EverGreen.
Tyler Dixon, owner of Dixon Landscaping and Design in High Point, North Carolina, and a 15-year Navy veteran, is a GreenCare for Troops volunteer and knows full well how valuable the services both programs are to military families. He also knows how meaningful it is for the volunteers.
“Members of the military and their families are used to handling everything on their own, and they are reluctant to reach out and ask for help. They think they can handle it,” says Dixon.
Dixon says before they are deployed, military personnel often enjoy a normal 8 to 5 job and go home to their family every night just like millions of other Americans. But that routine is flipped upside down when a deployment comes around.
“When you are deployed your world, and your family’s world, is turned upside down,” says Dixon. “The emotional, mental and physical support is gone.”
Dixon says his expectation of volunteering for GreenCare for Troops and Snow Care for Troops is to help military families get through things easier than he did.
“The impact of both programs on military families is far greater than a volunteer will ever know,” adds Dixon. “The family may not send you a thank you note or text but the kindness you are showing them is truly appreciated.”
If you are interested in registering to become a GreenCare or SnowCare for Troops volunteer and helping the family of deployed military personnel call 888/611-2955 or register online.