MANSFIELD - Mansfield High School students will be hitting the streets next month to help senior citizens keep their lawns tidy.

In what has turned into an annual event, groups of at least eight students will be fanning out around town on Nov. 15, raking up leaves in seniors' yards at no charge.

The event has become a fun experience for the students who can see their hard work helping the senior citizens.

"So many (students) have said afterwards that they understand what they've done for (the seniors)," said Donna Harrington, organizer of the event.

While the bulk of the leaf-raking will take place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Nov. 15, some groups, including the football team, will be heading out on different days. Harrington said she is planning to send students to at least 15 homes, but would like to do more if enough students sign up for the program.

Students and parents looking to volunteer can do so by calling the high school.

Seniors looking to have their lawns raked are asked to call the Council on Aging at 508-261-7368. After the first 15 slots are filled, seniors will be put on a waiting list.

"We don't want to have any senior be disappointed," Harrington said.

MATT KAKLEY covers Mansfield for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at mkakley@thesunchronicle.com.