{
  "id": 8920199,
  "title": "New Jersey man lost job, mowed lawns for free; network grew to 2,000 volunteers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/new-jersey-man-lost-job-mowed-lawns-for-free-network-grew-to-2-000",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T12:38:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/in-2020-a-new-jersey-man-lost-his-job-and-began-mowing-lawns-for-free-six-years-later-his-volunteer-network-has-grown-to-more-than-2000-people-across-all-50-us-states/articleshow/134387714.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nStarting 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "In 2020, New Jersey resident Brian Schwartz lost his job during the pandemic and began mowing lawns for free to help older neighbours. That one‑off act grew into I Want To Mow Your Lawn, a volunteer‑run nonprofit now linking more than 2,000 volunteers in all 50 states with seniors, veterans and others who need temporary yard help.",
  "key_points": [
    "Brian Schwartz lost job in 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic",
    "I Want To Mow Your Lawn grows to 2,000+ volunteers nationwide",
    "Service connects volunteers with lawn care needs across US states"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}