Driving Compassion: How One Man's Lawn Service Mows a Path of Kindness Across America

Rodney Smith Jr., the founder of Raising Men and Women Lawn Service, has dedicated his life to mowing lawns for the elderly, disabled, veterans, and those unable to do it themselves. His mission has taken him on a cross-country journey, inspiring kids to give back to their communities through his 50 Yard Challenge. But when his trusty van broke down, it was the kindness of strangers that kept his wheels turning and his mission alive.

Cultivating Compassion, One Lawn at a Time

A Calling to Serve

Rodney Smith Jr. is a man on a mission. As the founder of Raising Men and Women Lawn Service, he spends the majority of his days on the road, traveling across the country to mow lawns for those in need. His journey began in 2016, and since then, he has made it his life's work to ensure that the elderly, disabled, veterans, and all those unable to maintain their own lawns, have access to this essential service.Smith's dedication to his cause is unwavering. He has inspired countless kids to join his 50 Yard Challenge, where participants must mow 50 lawns in their community for free. Upon completion, Smith personally delivers a gift to each child – a free mower, weed eater, and blower – to encourage them to continue their acts of kindness.

The Toll of Endless Miles

The constant travel and mileage have taken a toll on Smith's trusty van. Two years ago, the vehicle had 70,000 miles on it, and now it boasts an impressive 300,000 miles. This relentless journey has pushed the van to its limits, and just a few weeks ago, after delivering new lawn care supplies to a kid in Columbus, Nebraska, the vehicle broke down."I was about 40 minutes from Columbus in the middle of nowhere," Smith recounted. "I didn't know what I was gonna do."

A Community Rallies to the Rescue

Faced with a daunting repair bill that could have left his van stranded in Nebraska indefinitely, Smith turned to social media for help. A follower in Lincoln saw his post and contacted the Anderson Ford of Lincoln car dealership, sharing Smith's mission with the staff. The message resonated, and the dealership sprang into action, hiring Midwest Towing to transport the van to their location – and the towing company did so free of charge.Once the van was assessed, the estimated cost of repairs neared ,000 – a staggering amount that could have derailed Smith's mission. But Anderson Ford knew how many lawns, and more importantly, how many kids, were counting on him. They made the decision to fix the van, free of charge."He gives so much," Kurt Perkins, General Manager of Fixed Operations at Anderson Ford, said. "This was his time to receive. We were blessed to be able to bless Rodney."The van received a brand-new engine, along with various other repairs, ensuring that it would be able to continue its journey for years to come. Less than an hour after picking up the keys, Smith was back on the road, heading to Alliance, where two brothers who had recently completed his 50 Yard Challenge were waiting for their new mowers.

Driving Compassion Forward

Rodney Smith Jr.'s mission is fueled by the generosity of others. Raising Men and Women Lawn Service is funded entirely by donations, and the kindness of the Anderson Ford dealership and Midwest Towing has ensured that his van can keep rolling, delivering joy and support to those in need.As Smith looks to the future, he has set his sights on an ambitious goal – to reach 600,000 miles on his van, more than double the current mileage. This unwavering determination is a testament to his commitment to making a difference, one lawn at a time."600,000," Smith said, his eyes shining with determination. "Not just 300,000…hopefully."With each mile he drives, Rodney Smith Jr. is paving the way for a future where kindness and compassion are the driving forces behind every community. His story is a reminder that even the smallest acts of service can have a profound impact, and that the power of one person to inspire change is truly limitless.