About a dozen area high school students volunteered their Sunday to rake leaves for an organization that supports local veterans.
It was the final day for Operation Leaf Relief, which rakes leaves to raise money for Operation Bugle Boy. Most of the money raised goes toward Operation Bugle Boy's annual Veterans Appreciation Night, held each year the Thursday before Veterans Day.
Chris Jarboe has coordinated Operation Leaf Relief since it started after the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"I don't know if there's a tougher way for students to ask for donations than this," he said. "It's a reflection of our community - a great, hard-working community."
The group finished at the home of Mary Lou Scott, 921 Winston Drive. Scott's late husband, Peter Wilks Scott, was a veteran, and Scott has supported the fundraiser since it started.
Blair Oaks High School student Devin Koelling joined Operation Bugle Boy this year and became involved in Leaf Relief through that. He said he's always appreciated veterans, and now has a chance to help them through the organizations.
"This is kind of a way to help fund the veterans events," he said. "And some yards (we rake) are veterans' yards, so I thought that was kind of cool."
Another volunteer was Kati Schoeneberg, a Blair Oaks junior. A teacher at her school asked her if she would like to be a part of Operation Bugle Boy, and she jumped at the chance.
With a father who works in law enforcement, she's always held law enforcement and military in high regard.
"I see my dad work hard every single day," she said. "He works hard to keep the roads safe, and I just think it's important for law enforcement to get the respect they deserve."