GreenCare for Troops Awareness Week June 23-29, 2024

Military families often face unique challenges, including frequent relocations, long deployments, and the stress of having a loved one in service.

Volunteering to help care for their lawns and yards provides tangible support, shows appreciation for their sacrifices, eases some of their burdens and creates heathier neighborhood green spaces. That is what Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program has done for military families across the United States since 2006.

To raise the profile of the valuable work thousands of GreenCare for Troops volunteers provide to military families, Project EverGreen recognizes June 23-29, 2024, as National GreenCare for Troops Awareness Week.

Now in its 18^th year, GreenCare for Troops has provided an estimated $20 million in donated lawn and landscape services and peace of mind to 20,000 military families in need across the country since the program’s inception. And the need continues. In the last year, the GreenCare for Troops program has seen a 13 percent increase in requests from military families for services.

“GreenCare for Troops is more than a program that checks a box and takes care of a necessary service, it has become a transformative experience for both volunteers and recipients,” says Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Not only do our volunteers provide a valued service that relieves a burden for military families, but they are also sustaining a healthy, safe lawn and yard for kids to play and families to unwind in at the end of a stressful day.”

If you can’t volunteer or don’t need program services at this time, you can support the GreenCare for Troops initiative by joining the inaugural “You Move, We Mow Challenge.”

Get your friends, family, co-workers or church group to walk, run, bike or hike in support of deployed military families. It’s a fun way to get outside, recognize the sacrifices our military makes for us and support the continued growth of this valuable nationwide program.

“As we approach GreenCare for Troops Awareness week this month, the “You Move, We Mow Challenge” is an excellent opportunity to get out and enjoy healthy greenspaces by walking, running, biking or engaging in your favorite physical outdoor activity,” said Blaine Pinkerton, VP of Turf & Ornamental Sales for Nufarm, title sponsor of GreenCare for Troops. “By signing up, participating and spreading the word, you are showing support for activity duty service members and the lawn care companies who provide services to them.”

What impact does GreenCare for Troops have on a military family? Here’s feedback from one program recipient:

“Please know this service you provide is so much bigger than I can ever say. This means the absolute world to me.” – Lori Donaldson, military spouse and GreenCare for Troops service recipient.

When you volunteer, you’re generously providing these benefits to deployed military families:

• Promotes environmentally healthier and safe green spaces
• Encourages outdoor activities
• Enhances mental health and well-being
• Builds community
• Provides stability and peace of mind
• Improves property value and curb appeal
• Demonstrates appreciation and gratitude

For more information on how to register to become a GreenCare for Troops volunteer, call 888.611.2955 or visit Project EverGreen.

Project EverGreen would also like to recognize our Title Partner Nufarm, and Platinum Partners The Toro Company , SiteOne Landscape Supply , AMGUARD Environmental Technologies and Heritage Landscape Supply Group and Silver Partner Ecologel Solutions for their support. GreenCare for Troops is endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Project EverGreen also offers a SnowCare for Troops program that provides complimentary snow and ice removal services for families of deployed military personnel.