Community gears up for annual Make a Difference Day

Whether it's schoolchildren donating piggy banks full of pennies to the American Red Cross or bank executives delivering meals to senior citizens, helping others helps the entire community, civic leaders say.

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the nation has answered a call to help. Thousands of people have donated millions to a relief fund for rescue workers and families of the attack victims.

Those donations are going to have an impact on the nation as people realize the importance of volunteers, said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the Area Wide United Way, a group recognized for the financial and other aid given charitable and service organizations.

And while those donations are greatly needed, Jernigan said, "We need to remind people that it's needed on an ongoing basis so they can do their part every year."

The United Way is currently working with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program to expand its volunteer network into a community-wide effort for people seeking opportunities to get involved.

Organizers of the National Make A Difference Day want people to continue the spirit of volunteerism. Each year, the fourth Saturday in October is set aside as Make a Difference Day and volunteers are called to action. This year it will be observed Oct. 27.

Groups can register a project or get ideas for one by calling (800) 416-3824 or going online at www.makea differenceday.com. You can even find supplies for projects by linking to a Web site at www.inkindex.com.

Anything that promotes volunteerism can help boost the community, said Jernigan.

Groups and individuals can participate in the Make a Difference Day event simply by planning a project in the community.

A troop of Jackson, Mo., Girl Scouts plans to donate as many as 150 books to the city's public library. The girls are asking that each Scout member bring a new children's book to a party in honor of Girl Scouts founder Juliet Gordon Low. The books will then be donated to the library so that every child can benefit.

The public is encouraged to help by bringing a book to the library at 3:15 p.m. Oct. 27.

While the United Way isn't directly involved in Make a Difference Day events, the agency can see its benefits in the community. The organization often sends its donors to service agencies for a "Days of Caring" project. Each year, volunteers are sent to work at agencies funded through the United Way. Sometimes they spend a day painting or delivering meals to the senior citizens. Whatever the task, the idea is to get people to become lifelong volunteers.

Groups who submit their projects for Make a Difference Day are eligible for honors from USA Weekend and the Points of Light Foundation, which sponsor the event.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126