GLENDALE, AZ — A Glendale woman is managing her stress and anxiety by helping others in her community.
"When you feel helpless being helpful can transform your spirit," said Gail Connelly. Gail, who is battling many serious medical issues, feels vulnerable after the coronavirus pandemic left her home bound.
ABC15 first brought you Gail's story last month after she set up a patriotic Christmas light display outside her home. The lights were designed to spread cheer after the Governor ordered all non-essential businesses to close and asked everyone to stay at home.
The light display drew crowds, but Gail said she wanted to do more and make a bigger impact. She put out the call for help on her neighborhood community page asking for volunteers to come together to help spruce up yards for disabled seniors and health care workers.
From that call, Lawns of Love was born. So far, 41 volunteers have signed up to help.
In the last month, Gail says the group has spruced up 18 yards in their community. From pulling weeds to trimming trees and mowing lawns, most of the members of her volunteer squad are over the age of 60.
The group even built and installed a wheelchair ramp for a paraplegic senior citizen in Glendale, all without charging anyone a dime.
Gail says that's because the rewards they are getting back are worth more to them than money. "You're doing something for us in return, you're giving purpose to our lives right now. It's not just what we're doing for you."
Recently hospitalized for near kidney failure, Gail added that this labor of love has made her life mean so much more to her, not to mention it's helped lift her out of her depression and anxiety.
If you would like to volunteer with Lawns of Love, or if you are a disabled senior or healthcare worker working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, you can reach the group by email at LawnsofLove@gmx.com.
