Two teenagers, Raymond and Julio Herrera, mow lawns for free in Denver Harbor, aiding those in need.
HOUSTON — In the Denver Harbor neighborhood, the sound of lawnmowers signals more than yard work — it’s the hum of two teenagers on a mission.
Raymond, 14, and Julio Herrera, 13, are spending their summer mowing lawns for free. They’re helping elderly residents, veterans, single parents and others in need as part of the “50 Yard Challenge,” a national program started by the nonprofit Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service.
“My parents saw it on Facebook and asked if we wanted to be a part of it and we agreed,” Raymond Herrera said.
The challenge encourages young people to mow 50 lawns for free in their communities. Participants who reach the goal are rewarded with their lawn care equipment.
“It gives them a purpose,” said Rodney Smith Jr., the founder of the program. “Helping people who can’t afford it themselves, maybe they’re on a fixed income, it means a lot.”
Each evening after their dad gets off work, the Herrera brothers load up the family truck and head out to their next yard.
“We mow for the elderly, single parents, disabled, and first responders,” Raymond said.
On Monday, they mowed the lawn of Refugio Zapata III, who expressed his gratitude.
“Feels good. I am real thankful,” Zapata said.
His neighbor Pedro, who’s 88, also recently had his yard trimmed by the brothers.
“We’re really thankful,” Pedro said in Spanish. “They offered to cut the yard and I don’t feel well enough to do it.”
Their commitment isn’t just impacting the people they help, it’s inspiring their father, Raymond Herrera Sr., who never had a father figure himself.
“Watching them learn and take pride in what they’re doing. It’s everything,” he said. “I want them to have responsibility, grow up to be good men, and give back.”
As the summer heat intensifies, the work isn’t easy, but the reward is more than just clean lawns.
“Cutting the yards for the people and seeing their faces after,” Raymond said. “It makes me feel good.”
Once they reach their goal of 50 lawns, the brothers hope to launch their own lawn care business and continue giving back.