Weeding By Example

After Katrina, One New Orleans Boy Brings New Life To An Abandoned Park With Grassroots Effort

(CBS)  New Orleans' City Park was once one of the best urban parks in America. But after Hurricane Katrina flooded it, the city abandoned it.

"It just bothered me that it didn't look good," says Jack McShane.

"These are things adults are supposed to take care of," says CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman in this week's Assignment America.

"Well, nobody was doing it, so I had to do it," he said.

Just about every weekend, no matter how hot and miserable it gets, you'll find this 13-year-old boy somewhere on City Park's 1,300 acres, mowing all morning.

"We love Jack," says John Hopper, the volunteer coordinator at City Park. "He is definitely, without a doubt, the most consistent volunteer that we have at that age group."

Jack also recruits other volunteers into his grassroots mowing club called the Mow-Rons.

"Our original slogan was 'The Mow-Rons are in City Park, the idiots are at City Hall,'" says Jack, "but we kind of changed it because it was a little bit inappropriate."

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Click here to learn more or make a donation

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Their new slogan is "Weeding By Example," and Jack has certainly done that.

Patrick McShane says he never really taught his son anything about community service.

"That's not been my strength," he says. "After the storm, I've learned more about the importance of volunteerism, and I've learned it right here at home from my own son."

The Mow-Rons are now an official, non-profit charity and have already purchased a dozen mowers. Each week they clear a little more of City Park and bring a little more of New Orleans back to life.

"It's really great to see that, because people are having fun in the park again," says Jack.

But does Jack keep his parents' lawn looking great, too? "No way," says Pat.

Guess no one ever said charity ends at home, though Patrick says that all things considered, he doesn't mind picking up the slack.

[kc911foryou]

Jack, I want to thank you and commend you for your selfless work with the Mow Rons. I don''t even know you, but I''m proud of you. When you said "nobody else was doing it, so I had to do it" that exposed your true character and the kind of man you will grow to be. Please keep weeding by example because a lot of younger eyes are watching and will follow your lead.

Kevin

[mow-rons]

We are not sure why the links to the Mow-Rons'' website don''t work, but if you would like more information, please go to www.mow-rons.org. You can email us at [e-mail]. You can mail donations to City Park Mow-Rons 523 Alexander St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.

Thanks for all the kind words.

Jack.

[dap9521]

What a wonderful young man - a great example for both adults and youth. How can I donate? The link above doesn''t work.

[cantshutup]

YOU ROCK!!!

[mizpah63]

There is hope for America when there are young people like Jack McShane and the Mow-Rons.

[mitywhity]

Jack, you are a very inspiring young man and your great attitude is very humbling. I hope everyone sees this story across the world.