Sometimes when you see a need in the world, you wonder what can be done to help.

Then you step up and fill the void. It can be solitary work – or you can bring the world along with you.

Such was the case for Rodney Smith Jr. The Alabama native is hoping to change the world, one mowed yard at a time. And he’s bringing along as many hard-working kids that he can.

Smith started on his path to help others in 2016, when he helped a 93-year-old woman who hadn’t been able to keep up with her yard work. A viral hit, his goal was to help the elderly, disabled, single mothers and veterans maintain their yards. So many, he said, didn’t have the ability, time or money to do the upkeep.

“A lot of the people that we mow for … are on fixed incomes”, Smith said. 

So, when we can come mow for free, that allows them to use their actual funds for food and medication and things they really need.”

Dubbed the “Lawnmower Man,” Smith knew he could do more than just mow – he could help kids learn kindness and discipline, while making sure they can help as many people in need as possible.

So began the ‘50 Yard Challenge.’ Smith’s company, Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service, had a simple goal: get kids and teenagers to mow 50 yards and earn prizes to help them continue to cut grass for those in need.

As of May, nearly 4,600 kids have joined the challenge, all across the United States, with more than 225,000 yards mowed.

The most recent winner of the challenge was TJ & JT Mowing Service. Run by Ja’Torrian Taylor and Tevin Rice, the 11 year olds accomplished the goal of 50 yards with a lawnmower they shared, donated by one of their neighbors.

Ja’Torrian Taylor and Tevin Rice pose with their certificate for the 50-yard challenge. Photo courtesy of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service

“These are good, hard-working kids that deserve some gratitude,” he said. I told Rodney that Taylor and Rice were sharing an old lawnmower that was donated to them by a neighbor.

“I’m going to fix that,” Smith said.

With that in mind, Smith arrived to award the boys for their hard work. 

“Good morning, gentlemen,” Smith said. “I’m about to make you honorary 50 Yard Challenge Club members!”

Their prize was a new mower, a blower and a trimmer, along with shirts to promote their business.

Giving these boys lawn equipment teaches them discipline,” Smith said.

“If they tell someone they are going to mow a lawn, they need to mow the lawn,” he said.

Ja’Torrian Taylor and Tevin Rice pose Rodney Smith Jr., at right Photo courtesy of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service

After teaching Taylor and Rice how to run the equipment – from gas mixtures to throttles to maintenance – Smith said goodbye.

“Remember, this is not the end; it’s just the beginning,” Smith said as he encouraged the kids. “This could be the beginning of a successful lawn service.”

What an amazing way to help kids grow into responsible adults, all the while giving back to the community.

Watch below for a look at Smith and his volunteers in action!

Sources: My Positive Outlooks | WVTM 13 | CNN