Every spring the South High School football team, known as the Ravens, laces up their cleats for a different kind of game. For the past ten years they have partnered with the nonprofit A Little Help to bring a day of yard work and outdoor maintenance to Denver seniors who struggle to keep their properties in shape.
A Tradition of Giving
The volunteers spread out across neighborhoods, pulling weeds, spreading mulch, and cleaning up overgrown yards. One of the seniors they regularly assist is Judy Dunlop, a homeowner who, after a hiking accident left her with limited mobility, found herself unable to tend to her own garden. The Ravens' arrival each year means the difference between a neglected yard and a space she can once again enjoy.
Coach Ryan Marini watches the scene with a quiet pride. He says the service day is about more than physical labor; it is a chance for young athletes to learn the value of empathy, teamwork, and giving back. "When they see the gratitude in a senior's eyes, it changes how they view the game and their own responsibilities," Marini notes.
Beyond the physical tasks, the Ravens add a personal touch by delivering small gift bags to each senior, each bearing the simple message "Have a great day." For many of the elderly recipients, the gesture is a reminder that they are not forgotten and that their community cares.
The tradition reinforces a mutual support network that stretches from the football field to the front porches of Denver neighborhoods. It reminds everyone involved that service is a year‑round commitment, and that the lessons learned on the field — discipline, perseverance, and camaraderie — are most powerful when applied to the lives of others.