Help Rake the Town and Lend a Hand to a Neighbor This Fall

Celebrate Fall in Sioux Falls By Helping Others

There are few things that say “fall in Sioux Falls” quite like colorful leaves covering the yard, a crisp breeze blowing through the neighborhood, and the unmistakable sound of a rake scraping across the lawn.

But for some of our neighbors, getting all those leaves cleaned up before winter isn’t quite so simple.

That’s where Active Generations’ annual Rake the Town comes in.

READ MORE: Downtown Sioux Falls Parking Could Soon Cost You More

Why Rake the Town Matters

Each fall, this community-wide volunteer effort brings people together to help older adults and individuals with disabilities get their yards ready for winter. And once again, Active Generations is looking for volunteers willing to grab a rake, fill some bags, and lend a helping hand.

Rake the Town will take place October 31 through November 6, 2026, serving people throughout the Sioux Falls area, including Brandon.

Volunteers can participate as individuals, families, businesses, or community groups. Assignments generally take between one and four hours, depending on the size of the yard. Active Generations provides the leaf bags; volunteers just need to bring their own rakes and, whenever possible, haul the filled bags to one of the leaf drop-off sites.

Make A Difference in the Sioux Falls Area

And while you may start the day thinking you're simply helping someone get rid of a pile of leaves, you're really doing something much bigger. You're helping a neighbor stay safe, independent, and proud of their home.

Plus, there's something pretty satisfying about looking back at a freshly raked yard and knowing you helped make someone's life a little easier.

Weather can sometimes put a wrinkle in those fall plans, so if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, volunteer teams will need to reschedule and complete their yard raking task as soon as they can.

READ MORE: Find Out What's Happening Around the Sioux Empire

Sign Up for Rake the Town Today!

If you'd like to be part of this year's Rake the Town, you can sign up through the online registration form through November 6. For more information, you can call Active Generations at 605-336-6722.

So grab a rake, round up the family, your coworkers, or a few friends and spend a little time making Sioux Falls - and somebody's corner of it - a better place. Because sometimes being a good neighbor is as simple as helping someone rake their leaves.