Volunteers needed for a worthy program.
Project Evergreen is a national, non-profit organization created to promote the positive benefits of green spaces. In the following Q&A, we talk with Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen and a longtime communications expert in the landscape industry, about SnowCare for Troops and its need for volunteers.
How did SnowCare for Troops get started?
GreenCare for Troops, which serves the landscaping needs of families with deployed military service members, has been around for about four years, and the need for help during the snow season was becoming evident. Boss Snowplow came to Project EverGreen with enthusiasm, ideas and a commitment to underwrite the program and sustain the good will and volunteer labor so prevalent in GreenCare for Troops.
What was the response to the program in its first year?
We hit a grand slam. We continue to be impressed by the generosity of volunteers across the country in both our SnowCare for Troops and GreenCare for Troops programs. Snow removal professionals and landscape contractors have big hearts and a keen desire to help out families whose major breadwinner is serving overseas in the armed forces. To top it off, it was a particularly difficult winter in many regions. We are proud that so many volunteers in local communities responded so positively to the program.
How does SnowCare for Troops support Project EverGreen’s mission of preserving and enhancing America’s green spaces?
SnowCare for Troops is a natural extension of our GreenCare for Troops program. A good number of landscape contractors in cold weather states provide snow removal and de-icing services. They understand the outdoor needs of military families don’t go away just because the summer ended. They make an ongoing commitment to maintain the landscapes of service people who are giving so much for our country.
What do you hope to accomplish with SnowCare for Troops in Year Two?
About 800 contractors and families registered in the first year. We hope to double the number of contributors and families participating in the SnowCare for Troops this year.
How can landscape contractors and snow removal professionals support the program?
You can register for the SnowCare for Troops program at www.projectevergreen.com/scft. Monetary contributions are also accepted along with gas cards. You can also help spread the word within your local and state associations and participate in media interviews to spread the message.
