Not too late to make a difference

They say helping others feeds the soul. If that's the case, then Make a Difference Day offers a smorgasbord.

No single day promotes helping others more than the national event that encourages volunteers to undertake community-based projects that address local problems.

Along with millions of other Americans, caring Southeast Missourians always have lined up to participate in Make a Difference Day, which was created by USA Weekend magazine, and will be held locally Saturday, Oct. 26.

This year is no different. The Girl Scouts of Otahki Council, Inc., are collecting long-distance, prepaid calling cards to send to military personnel.

The Community Counseling employees are donating cleaning and hygiene supplies to First Call for Help, a hot line referring callers to social service agencies.

The Cape Friends of Traditional Music and Dance is even offering free participation on Oct. 26 for families wanting to learn contra dance.

Millions more will participate. In 2000, 2.2 million people cared enough about their communities to volunteer on that day, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns and helping an estimated 25 million people.

There's still plenty to do, and it's not too late to get involved. The projects can be as large or small as participants want to make them.

Make A Difference Day organizers suggest looking around the community to see what needs to be done. A business could mentor needy children. A college class could spread literacy. A neighborhood could organize a clean-up project.

Information about Make A Difference Day can be obtained by calling 1-800-416-3824. Project ideas can be reviewed at their Web site at www.usaweekend.com/diffday.

Make A Difference Day is a call to action for people wanting to help but really have never known how. Now's your chance.