College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Law Enforcement students, staff, and their families joined community members across Nampa and Caldwell for the annual Rake Up Caldwell event on Saturday, Nov. 15. Together, they helped local elderly and disabled residents prepare their yards for winter by raking leaves, trimming bushes, and tidying outdoor spaces.
Rake Up Caldwell is a community volunteer effort that assists elderly and disabled citizens with yard work. The most rewarding part of the day for both staff and students was witnessing the heartfelt gratitude of the homeowners they helped.
“It’s meaningful for us to connect as a team outside the classroom and dedicate our efforts to strengthening our communities,” said Kelli Crawforth, Senior Coordinator of the Law Enforcement program. Instilling a spirit of service in our students is essential — it reminds them to care for their communities at every level of need.”
Law Enforcement student, Isaac Nordstrom, said, “I enjoyed participating in Rake Up Caldwell because it’s inspiring to see our community come together to support one another. Many residents aren’t able to rake their own leaves, and hiring help can be costly. That’s why Rake Up Caldwell is so valuable. When we work together toward a common goal, we can make a meaningful difference for those who need it.”
Addison Dunn, another Law Enforcement student, added, “Doing something as simple as raking up leaves for someone can take a big weight off their shoulders, which makes a difference in their life. Most importantly I think this kind of service spreads positively throughout the town.”
CWI Law Enforcement students are required to participate in several community volunteer events each year. This year, students will also participate in Shop with a Sheriff in December. In the spring, the program will continue the tradition of cleaning up I-84, where the CWI Law Enforcement program has adopted a section through the Adopt-A-Highway Program.
