Heather Gilbert

I’m nobody special. l live in God’s country, the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

[Heather Gilbert @lhgilbert]

Guys, I don’t want unsolicited anything. So, I will not answer sketchy DMs.

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Dear @WhiteHouse, my name is Rodney Smith Jr., founder of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service in Huntsville, Alabama. Through our 50 Yard Challenge, over 6,000 kids across the country have signed up to mow free lawns for the elderly, disabled, veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and single parents. With America celebrating its 250th birthday this year and me also being born on July 4th, I wanted to humbly ask if a few kids from our program and myself could travel to Washington, D.C. to help mow the White House lawn for this historic celebration.

More than anything, I want these kids to see how a simple act of service something as ordinary as mowing a lawn for someone in need can lead to extraordinary places. What better lesson in community service than showing them that helping others can take them all the way to our nation’s capital? I’d also love to bring my American flag-themed mower in hopes that the President might sign it, so I can later auction it off and donate 100% of the proceeds to a nonprofit supporting veterans. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to highlight the importance of service, patriotism, and the impact young people can have when they choose to make a difference. 🇺🇸

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

What do these 6 kids have in common? They all completed our 50 Yard Challenge by mowing 50 FREE lawns in their cities for the elderly, disabled, single parents, and veterans. For every 10 lawns, they earned a new colored T-shirt, and once they reached 50, they received their black shirt—just like a black belt in karate—along with brand-new mowers, weed eaters, and blowers.

Will your child be next to take on the 50 Yard Challenge? Kids can participate from any city, any state—even internationally. We currently have kids in 8 different countries. Raking leaves and shoveling snow also count toward the challenge.

Kids in photo are from previous years .

Sign up today : https://t.co/Z4xjuWhHvg

[Heather Gilbert @lhgilbert]

@RichLux713 He told the world. And like he said, ain't a damn soul listen.

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

To the kid, they may feel like they’re “just mowing a lawn,” but to the homeowner, it can mean so much more. For many elderly individuals, disabled neighbors, veterans, or single parents, keeping up with the yard is something they physically can’t do anymore or simply can’t afford to pay someone to handle. So when a child from our program shows up with a mower and a heart to serve, it brings more than a freshly cut lawn,it brings relief, hope, encouragement, and the reminder that someone in the community still cares. These kids may never fully realize the impact they’re making in the moment, but to the person standing there watching their lawn get mowed for free, it can truly mean the world. Making a difference, one lawn at a time.

[Heather Gilbert @lhgilbert]

Spirit Airlines collapsed at 3AM on May 2nd. I just pledged to help build Spirit 2.0 — a people-owned airline. One member, one vote. Join us.

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Parents, this is your sign. One simple decision, signing your child up for the 50 Yard Challenge can shape their character, teach them service, and make a real difference in someone’s life.

Sign them up here : https://t.co/3XxAdWJA1W

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Aaron of Hayden, Idaho who is taking part in our 50 yard challenge, mowed his 22nd lawn !

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Back in 2022, I had the opportunity to learn about a young man named Ethan from Beckley, West Virginia.

At the time, Ethan was just 15 years old but his story actually started years earlier.

When he was only 11, he noticed his elderly lady near by who was in her late 80’s , who was in a tough situation. Her lawn service had suddenly quit on her, leaving her without help.

And without being asked…

Ethan stepped up.

At just 11 years old, he volunteered to mow their lawn for free.

What makes his story even more special is that it wasn’t just a one-time act of kindness.Four years later, he was still showing up. Still mowing her lawn. Still serving with the same heart.

But he didn’t stop there.

Ethan took that same mindset and began helping others in his community mowing for veterans and anyone else in need, all free of charge.

When I heard his story, one thing stood out immediately…He was humble. Consistent. And genuinely cared about people.

That’s why we made him an Honorary Member of the 50 Yard Challenge. He was our 3rd member .

Ethan, even years later, your story is still inspiring.

You represent exactly what this challenge is all about stepping up, giving back, and making a difference right where you are. Keep going… because what you’re doing matters more than you know.

Know of a kid doing good things in their community with a lawn mower , not associated with the program ? Let me know . We will be picking 2 kids as honorary members this year .

[Heather Gilbert @lhgilbert]

@Excellentsalvic Amen!!🙏🏼

[Tati Westbrook @GlamLifeGuru]

Feeling festive… 🎄❄️

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Meet Kristin of Lakes Area Humane Society

[Tati Westbrook @GlamLifeGuru]

Shop with me ✨❤️💋

https://t.co/dUG0qdHhHo

[Tati Westbrook @GlamLifeGuru]

NEW Drugstore Makeup Try On 💋✨

https://t.co/jDl4IZLMIw

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

It’s that time of year again! For the past eight Christmases, I’ve traveled to all 50 states dressed as an elf, delivering gifts to kids and the homeless. This year, just like last year, I’m switching things up. Instead of delivering presents, I’ll be visiting one animal rescue , humane society or no-ki!! animal shelter in each state to drop off dog and cat food. My goal is to highlight each place as well.

Do you know of a great animal rescue , humane society or animal shelter in your state? Let me know—I’m planning as I go! My journey kicks off today in Kentucky,(I’m headed there now) and I’m following my usual route.

If you would like to help by donating 1 bag of dog/cat food you can, they usually got for $15-20 a bag. In my next post I’ll have a link .

My mower from last year will be up for auction again this year . 100% of funds will go to an animal rescue or humane society.

This marks my 21st, 50-state tour—13 for mowing and eight for Christmas. Just 28 days left until Christmas! Let’s make this season magical for these animals !

My motto again this year: Adopt, don’t shop. If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, visit your local rescue, shelter or humane society. They’re full of animals waiting for a loving home.

27 days left until Christmas!

Elf Rodney is in duty by way of Santa’s orders. Operation Pawsitive Christmas Mission

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Timmy and Vinny of Bellevue, NE, who are taking part in our 50 yard challenge have completed lawn #10 of the military challenge.  After completing our original 50 yard challenge , they decided to take on one of our Special Edition Challenges, available to kids who complete the original challenge. The Military Edition: 50 free lawns mowed for veterans and active-duty service members. This lawn was for their grandpa , who served 23 years in the Air Force. Please keep both boys and their family in your prayers because four days after this photo was taken their grandfather sadly passed away.

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Thomas joined the 50 Yard Challenge in 2022 and proudly completed it the following year. His story began when his mother first learned about our program while they were living in Africa. At the time, they couldn’t take part—but Thomas never forgot it.

Months later, when their family moved to the United States and stayed with his grandparents in Pennsylvania, he finally got his chance. He signed up in August 2022 and worked hard, finishing all 50 lawns by January 2023. Shortly after earning his black shirt, Thomas and his family returned to Africa—mission accomplished.

Now the question is: could your child be next?

To join, all they need to do is create a sign that says “I Accept the 50 Yard Challenge.” Then they’ll mow 50 lawns for free for those in need—elderly, disabled, single parents, veterans, first responders, and active-duty military in their community.

For every 10 lawns, they earn a new shirt—starting with white and moving through orange, green, blue, and red—until they reach 50 and receive their black shirt.

When they complete the challenge, they’re awarded a brand-new mower, weed eater, and blower.

The challenge runs all year and isn’t limited to mowing—snow shoveling and leaf raking count too. Kids from around the country are welcome to participate.

So kids… are you ready to step up and make a difference?

Sign up here: https://t.co/KAFNXZb1WY

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Levi of Grayling, MI who recently signed up for our 50 yard challenge received his safety glasses, ear plugs and white shirt in the mail ! He’s officially ready to start ! What words of advice would you give to him ?

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Timmy & Vinny of Bellevue , NE who completed our 50 yard challenge earlier this year were featured in their local news .

[Heather Gilbert @lhgilbert]

@ThrillaRilla369 Mac and Cheese.

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

These kids accepted The 50 Yard Challenge — and completed it by mowing 50 free lawns in their community for the elderly, disabled, single parents, first responders and veterans. They earned brand new mowers, weed eaters & blowers.

What’s stopping your kids from doing the same?
Our 50 Yard Challenge is open year-round for boys and girls nationwide. Along with mowing, kids also help by raking leaves, shoveling snow, and picking up litter in their neighborhoods — proving that kindness has no season.

We have 6,000+ kids across the U.S. and in 8 other countries that signed up since 2016 making a difference — one yard at a time.

Will your kids be next to accept the challenge?

Learn more and sign up here: https://t.co/KAFNXZb1WY