ABILENE, Texas — Incoming Abilene seventh grader, Sydney Weinkauf, found a way to serve her community through a nonprofit organization designed to promote community awareness in boys and girls ages 7-17 as a way of giving back.
“A year ago I was like, dad I want to not only start a mowing business, but I want to go find a way to help people,” Sydney said.
Sydney helped mow 50 yards for the elderly, disabled, single parents and veterans - all within a year. The joy she brought to a lot of people every time she got the job done and was rewarded by the organization after she completed her task.
“This is what I really want to do,” Sydney said. “It’s one giving me something to do keeping me busy and two it’s just like I see the joy that they have. It’s the joy to me to help them and then it’s the joy to them for me to come do it for them.”
Her grandmother couldn't be more proud.
“It just seems to be her calling, she’s a very caring young lady,” Joann Weinkauf said.
But, there were also days when Sydney had to push extra hard.
“There was days that I know that she didn't want to do it, she much be doing rather be doing other things but she did it anyways and did it with a smile on her face,” Sydney’s father, Kevin Weinkauf, said.
Rodney Smith Jr., Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service founder, travels across the country delivering free lawn equipment to children who complete the 50 Yard Challenge.
Smith made his way to Abilene over the weekend to meet Sydney and deliver a new mower, weed eater and leaf blower to help her continue serving her community.
“There’s many ways to make a difference I have simply chosen a lawnmower to make a difference with and my goal was to encourage kids across this country to get out there and make a difference one lawn at a time,” Smith said.
One lawn at a time is all it takes and Sydney wants to make sure other children know that.
“I want to show kids it doesn't matter what other people think, it matters what’s in your heart,” Sydney said.
The work isn't over yet for Sydney, she decided to take on another challenge, but this time mowing yards for past and present educators.