For more than two decades, Make A Difference Day has been celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday in October. This national event in the U.S. connects volunteers with opportunities to serve, increases the strength of communities and promotes civic engagement. With support from Gannett, TEGNA, USA TODAY, and Newman’s Own, and United Ways in many cities across the U.S., Points of Light leads this effort to rally millions of volunteers to help change the nation in a single day.
From helping to feed the homeless to local community garden projects, there’s something for everyone in this year’s annual Make A Difference Day presented by United Way of Larimer County (CO). This United Way is recruiting more than 1,000 volunteers to complete more than 65 service projects that directly benefit nonprofits and community organizations throughout Larimer County during what is the largest week of volunteer service in Northern Colorado. Projects include cleaning up the playground at Thompson Valley Pre-School, distributing free LED bulbs to residents to reduce energy consumption, and sprucing up the House of Neighborly Service Life Center.
Larimer County regularly holds one of the largest Make A Difference Day events in the United States, receiving recognition from USA Weekend Magazine in both 2009 and 2012. In 2014, more than 2,300 volunteers completed nearly 100 service projects throughout Larimer County, providing nearly 9,600 hours of service.
United Way of Western Crawford County (PA), United Way of Northwest Georgia, United Way of Marathon County (WI), Capital Area United Way (MI) and many more United Ways are participating in Make A Difference Day. The annual event is an important part of United Way’s work to unite people and organizations to change lives and strengthen our community. Contact your local United Way to get involved and learn how to make every day Make A Difference Day.