Yankees players trade mitts for gardening gloves for HOPE week in Leonia
The nonprofit provides lawn care for seniors, veterans and those in need, free of charge, using local volunteers.
The New York Yankees and a New Jersey-based nonprofit brought hope to a Leonia homeowner Thursday.
Trading baseball gloves for gardening gloves and fielding shades for protective goggles, members of the Yankees volunteered for the Wayne-based lawn care nonprofit “I Want to Mow Your Lawn."
The nonprofit provides lawn care for seniors, veterans and those in need, free of charge, using local volunteers. The journey started in Wayne and has since grown to a volunteer network across all 50 states.
News12 first met the founder, Brian Schwartz, six years ago. Landscaping became his escape from a layoff, the COVID-19 lockdown and caring for his terminally ill father.
“I didn’t think anything of it," Schwartz said. "I was just trying to figure out the next step of my life. I found a deeper meaning and purpose, helping out neighbors.”
Thursday's volunteers included Brian Cashman, Jasson Domínguez, Fernando Cruz and more, following instructions from the team’s 38-year head groundskeeper, Danny Cunningham. That included Cashman pruning trees and Domínguez on a riding lawnmower. This is part of the team's annual "HOPE Week" initiative, which stands for "Helping Others Persevere and Excel."
“I think I did a pretty decent job!" said Domínguez. "I kept things pretty even.”
“Baseball is going to last for a little bit, but people are going to forget about it," said Cruz. "This is going to stick forever, and I think it’s the most important thing.”
The homeowner received a lawn makeover - and Schwartz’s nonprofit, a $20,000 donation from the Yankees.
“It is my hope that 10 years from now, all neighbors are helping their neighbors," said Schwartz. "When that happens, our mission is complete. Until that time, we exist to make those connections and conversations comfortable with a neighbor that could just be a block away who you never knew was looking for some help.”
Those interested can volunteer or request service here.
