New Jersey man lost job, mowed lawns for free; network grew to 2,000 volunteers

In 2020, Brian Schwartz lost his job due to the Covid-19 pandemic while also caring for a sick parent. To help older neighbors and veterans maintain their yards, Schwartz began offering his mowing services for free. His initial effort soon attracted others who wanted to lend a hand, leading to the creation of I Want To Mow Your Lawn, a nonprofit organization based in Wayne, New Jersey. The organization connects volunteers with older adults, veterans, and others who need temporary lawn care assistance.

Starting with just 10 volunteers and a borrowed lawn mower, the network has grown to over 2,000 volunteers across all 50 US states. The website lists more than 2,060 actively enlisted volunteers, over 3,090 service visits, and more than 630 households served. More than 15,000 people have reached out for help, and the service is provided free of charge, with optional donations.

The organization's purpose is not to replace professional landscaping services but to provide temporary relief through volunteers. Volunteers decide when to help and can choose individual visits based on the work required, distance, and preferred dates. Volunteers are not required to make a long-term commitment and can communicate with homeowners through privacy-protected channels.

The organization reviews volunteers before approving them and is considered a facilitator rather than a contractor. The service includes mowing, raking, trimming, and edging, with some volunteers providing additional outdoor help. The numbers show how the original idea has expanded, with more than 3,000 lawn-care visits, 3,090 service visits, and 630 unique households served across all states.