Make a Difference Day: Volunteers - Like You - Can Make a Difference

Make a Difference Day is the largest National day of helping others in the United States. Local communities and National Organizations which promote volunteer-ism, such as Americorps, and Americorps Vista, all get involved in the effort. From large community restoration projects such as planting gardens and refurbishing worn, old houses and buildings, to small-scale projects such as collecting food or clothing for local charities, or collecting and sending the essentials of home to American soldiers in Iraq, thousands of projects are looking for volunteers, just like you, to help make the day a success.

Anyone can be involved in National Make a Difference Day. You don't need to have a lot of money, or a great deal of talent and ability. Service projects are offered around the country, inviting you to join in with efforts to better your community and country. There are volunteer opportunities for Mom's and Dad's, children and teens, seniors and groups or clubs.

October 27th, 2007 marks the 17th anniversary of Make a Difference Day. Special projects are being offered around the country, such as the Cards for the Troops Project being held in Gwinn, Michigan. This project sent 42,850 cards to American troops in 2006, and is hoping to exceed that number this year, with a goal of 45,000 cards being sent in 2007.

The First Harvest Community Garden Project in OPELOUSAS, Louisiana, is planning a huge community gardening event, for Make a Difference Day, 2007. With entertainment and speakers being presented through-out the day, the community is invited to find out more about gardening and community gardening. A free cook-out featuring the gardens produce, as well as kids games and activities will also be featured.

In Farmington, New Mexico folks can get involved in the Weatherization & Agency Wish List project. This project will select one community service organization and 5 local senior citizens to receive weatherization and building improvements. Volunteers will be needed to assist with these improvements, so if you live in the area, be sure to lend a hand.

More than a dozen projects will be going consecutively in the Keene, New Hampshire area. From painting the local food distribution center, to helping at the Keene are Community Kitchen, people living in the New York/New Hampshire areas will have many opportunities to Make a Difference this year.

The Make a Difference Day web-site features projects which will be held around the country, as well as great ideas to help communities and service organizations (or even individuals) plan their own Make A Difference Day projects. If you have a great idea for a project and need some support to get it going, this site can be a wonderful resource. You'll find information on everything from planning your project, to publicizing it, along with great ways to get more people to join you. An "Idea Generator" can help get your creative energy moving, while tips for writing press releases and designing project flyers can help you get your project going. You can also find out what others have done, what projects have been the most successful, and learn from others successes or set backs.
For those not interested in planning a project, but thinking about getting involved, the web-site lists every project being organized around the United States.
You are sure to find a meaningful one near you.

Whether you are looking for volunteer opportunities, considering planning a project for this year, or considering planning one for future years, you'll find all the information you need at www.makeadifferenceday.com.