Make a Difference Day
Make a Difference Day is a national event held in the end of October, sponsored by The Points of Light Foundation and USA Weekend. More than 2 million Americans reach out to others on the fourth Saturday of October every year. Volunteers are doctors and nurses, college students, retirees, high school students, factory workers, and youth groups.
Millions of people benefit on Make a Difference Day. As a result of events, abused and neglected children in California now have a refurbished place to live. The needy and elderly in Georgia have received free health screenings. People who usually receive help use the day to give back: In New York City, public housing residents visited and entertained hospitalized children. Make A Difference Day provides a great opportunity for those individuals interested in volunteering but not quite sure what to do.
In 2007, the Office for Civic Engagement (OCE) sponsored Raise Spirits and Help Fright Poverty as a part of the annual Make a Difference Day (MADD) project. First, at the Poverello Center, volunteers prepared a “Spooky Meal” and decorated the center in order to create a festive and enjoyable atmosphere for the lunchtime visitors. The second event took place at the Joseph Residence, where UM student volunteers helped resident children construct homemade costumes.
Spend an hour, or an entire day--you can make a difference. Every project counts, whether you help children, the homeless, the environment, your elderly neighbor. Do something simple, like donating food. Or make huge changes by joining with groups in a large project.
Contact:
Campus Corps Team Leader
Office for Civic Engagement
Phone: 243-5531
Email: lauren.amato@mso.umt.edu
