OXON HILL, Md. (DC News Now) — Prince George’s County seniors who struggle to afford yard work are getting a helping hand through a program that offers elderly people free lawn care.
“We have allocated funding for 550 senior citizens who live in District 8 to maintain their lawns through grass-cutting season. This has been a tremendous help to them because they don’t have to pay for it,” District 8 Councilmember Ed Burroughs said.
Oxon Hill resident Monica Jeffries calls the program a huge blessing – she has been using the service since early summer.
“I am so appreciative and don’t have the words to express how much this has meant to me. I like a nice well-kept house and I like the outside to look as good as the inside. And without this program I don’t know what I would have done,” Jeffries said.
Prince George’s County started the program in partnership with Joan’s House Inc. The program is funded by MGM Casino revenue through the Local Impact Grant Fund, which is meant to provide support to communities impacted by the construction of MGM National Harbor. MGM contributed a half million dollars to the free lawn care program.
Jeffries told DC News Now she is thankful.
“I love it and I appreciate it and thank you to Councilman Burroughs and MGM this is great for the seniors in this county,” she remarked.
Burroughs said though the program runs from July until the end of October, he is hoping to continue it again next year.
