Saturday marks the 21st annual "Make A Difference Day" and people across the nation spent the day helping others. In our area, hundreds of volunteers gathered early Saturday morning for Rake-A-Thon 2012 put on by the United Way of Marathon County. Rake-A-Thon 2012 is designed to help the elderly and disabled rake their leaves.

Ninety-one year old Arlene Eckes had a lot of leaves in her yard a no way to rake them. That is until Saturday.

"I'm unable to do it by myself. So it's greatly appreciated and it's fund to see the kids," Eckes told NewsChannel 7.

The kids she's referring to are the girls from Brownie Troop 7367. These girls gave up their morning to rake her leaves.

"I think it's important that the girls learn we have to give back to the community and do some good things for people. When they're little, they like to get stuff for themselves so it's really nice to give them this lesson," Girl Scout leader, Angela Hansen, said.

These girls weren't alone in their efforts. Hundreds of volunteers raked nearly 300 yards Saturday.

"There are a good many people just like me who are unable to do this anymore," Eckes pointed out.

This is the Brownie Troop's second year volunteering and Eckes couldn't be more grateful.

"I can't thank them enough," Eckes said.

The girls say they had a great time raking and that it felt good to help out. They plan on volunteering again next year.

In addition to raking, the United Way also hosted a food, toiletries and clothing drive at the Wausau National Guard Armory.