YORKTOWN, Ind. The summer heat isn’t keeping a Yorktown 14-year-old from helping people in his community by mowing lawns, and he’s doing it for free.
Part of a nonprofit challenge, Emmett Kelly is mowing his way toward 50 lawns as part of a fun challenge that also benefits his community.
For the 14-year-old, most days during the summer consist of weed eaters, lawnmowers and the smell of freshly cut grass. When Kelly’s not on the football field or a wrestling mat for practice, you can find him giving back to his community… one lawn at a time.
“When my dad died, the community helped my mom with presents for me and my brother,” Kelly said. “So when this came, I just wanted to give back.”
Kelly is a part of a nonprofit called Raising Men Lawncare, where they help disabled veterans, the elderly and people who are unable to cut their own yard.
For Kelly, each day brings a different challenge. Some yards more challenging than others.
“I’ve had yards that have been up to my knees,” said Kelly. “I’ve had yards that have been two inches tall. It just depends on the yard.”
One of Kelly’s weekly customers is Catherine Ullman. She said at times her grass has grown so high that the city has threatened to fine her if she doesn’t get it under control. Thankfully, she was recommended Kelly, and he whipped her lawn into shape.
“I felt like it was such a blessing,” Ullman said. “It’s so hard for us we can’t get out and do it ourselves. So it’s such a blessing to us.”
Kelly’s mom and manager, Rachel Kelly, said her son is always looking for the next opportunity to help someone, which she believes makes him one-of-a-kind.
“He’s always looking to work. That’s probably one of the best skills he has is he’s not afraid to work hard,” she said.
Kelly has mowed 36 lawns so far and doesn’t plan on stopping once he reaches his goal of 50. Despite all of the long days and hard work, Kelly said he’s grateful for his mom and what’s next.
“My mom is my everything,” he said. “She’s my supporter, my cheerleader, she’s my manager. She’s the one who keeps me going every time.”
Catherine Ullman couldn’t keep from smiling while talking about her son.
“Doing that kind of hard work, it just makes me think we’re doing something right, and I think he’s going to go far in life because he’s not afraid of hard work,” she said.
If you or someone you know needs help with their lawn being mowed, you can reach out to the Kelly family through their Facebook page.
