For Terry Ross, his yard is a point of pride, but these days the Raytown, Missouri, homeowner can't keep up with it.
"Volunteering is the ultimate gift in giving back to society," he explained. "Kansas City has a reputation for helping when they need help. They don't ask questions, they just go and do."
Macular degeneration has all but robbed Ross of his eye sight, which makes tasks like fall yard work impossible. While he started losing his eyesight in 1997, he lost most of it in the last two years. He will eventfully lose his sight altogether.
Enter The Whole Person, an organization that helps people with disabilities live independent lives.
"What The Whole Person does is provide assistance for impaired individuals tailored to their individual needs. They have done that for me and made my life easier," he said.
This weekend the organization will send volunteers to 22 homes across the metro to rake leaves, trim shrubbery, and weed gardens. Here's the problem - right now, it's just shy of 100 volunteers. In order for the day to be a success, it needs about 30 more.
"It's a win-win for everyone. People walk away feeling great and the consumer feels good, too," said Terri Goddard with The Whole Person. "One in 5 people will be affected by a disability in their lifetime, so it's really important to give back when you can because it might be you one day that's asking for help."
To volunteer, click here to access the Planting Independence page. Shifts start at 8:30 a.m. Sat., Oct. 22. All work should be done within two to three hours.
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
