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Stevenson grad, volunteers spruce up yards of high-risk Buffalo Grove, Lake Zurich households

A team of seven volunteers organized by a 2018 Stevenson High School graduate helped clean up the yards of some Lake County homeowners in high risk households.

The volunteers were led by Avery Nelson, 20, of Lake Zurich, who came up with the idea of a social distancing yard cleanup event.

"We were able to do eight houses over the weekend of July 25-26," Nelson said.

Nelson said he had been looking for a way to "spread some positivity" during the pandemic.

"I remembered doing something similar with a volunteering club I was a part of in high school," said Nelson, who attends the University of Tampa.

"In the club we had asked different households who we knew were going through a tough time if they would like a yard makeover. We were able to do many different households throughout my four years of high school."

The work was spread over two days at homes in Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich.

Avery Nelson, 20, of Lake Zurich organized a small team of volunteers to do yard cleanup work for a handful of high-risk households in Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich. Nelson is a 2018 Stevenson High School graduate. Courtesy of Avery Nelson

"We focused on cleaning the yards and gardens of these eight houses," Nelson said. "This included gathering and throwing away trash like broken furniture and debris from their property. We also worked at picking weeds and even planted some flowers of our own.

"We did this while keeping a safe social distance from each other, had our own tools, and wore masks when in closer contact than six feet."

The efforts of Nelson and his team earned praise from those he helped.

"I have had the privilege of knowing Avery since he was walking around in diapers and have watched as he has developed into the gentleman that he is today," said homeowner Carla Sheppard.

"His work transformed my backyard into an area that I can now enjoy and be proud to host others in. From removing a large array of weeds to planting large shrubs, Avery and his team delivered - and with a smile on their faces. I am so grateful."

Nelson's hope is that his work will make staying at home more pleasant for the families.

"Since these families are staying home the majority of the day, if not all day, I wanted to make their yards a little more enjoyable to be in," he said. "I think if everyone can do something good, even a little, during this time ... we can get through this pandemic."

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