Event encourages engagement with community
People all over the United States are going out into their communities to participate in volunteer activities, Oct 27. Why are they doing this, because Saturday is Make A Difference Day. Make A Difference Day encourages citizens of all ages that participation even in the little things can have a positive effect on others.
On the fourth Saturday of October in 1992, USA Weekend Magazine created Make A Difference Day. This unofficial holiday emphasizes involvement in communities to make the world a better place.
Activities organized by people celebrating this event range from organizing food drives and recycling events to volunteering at pet adoption centers and blood drives. However, not just adults have ways of making a difference. Sophomore, Samantha Portale, finds opportunities to serve and make a difference in her community. Portale takes part in an organization titled ‘Kids On A Mission’.
“I am a part of an organization called Kids on a Mission,” Portale said. “I’m on the backpack initiative which is working to give backpacks and school supplies to kids in our community and around the world who can’t afford them. A simple way to make a difference is to just be nice to people around you. It can make someone’s day a whole lot better by letting them know you care. We should try to make a difference because then we can just have a happier community.”
Student leadership advisor Aubri Foster experienced firsthand effects of people going out of their way to help others in the following podcast. Foster believes that others should have a servant’s heart so they can encourage others to do the same.
Grace Community Church pastor, Greg Perkins believes in service to his community in Madera. Pastor Perkins feels that as a Christian, a responsibility rests on him to show that he cares about people around him.
“One of the ways we make a difference as Christians is through giving back to our community in acts of service,” Perkins said. “It could be painting at a school, yard work for the elderly or meals for the homeless. This is a way to show the people of the community that you care enough to act. You care enough to do something.”
Many students want to start serving the people around them. Of those students, Landon Bell, ‘22, brainstorms ways to make a difference. Bell thinks citizens must practice social interaction so they understand how to serve in that way.
“A simple way to start making a difference is to get to know your neighbors,” Bell said. “I’d say most people don’t interact with their neighbors. By getting to know them, you can gain support from them.
“Why shouldn’t we try and make a difference in our world?” Bell continued. “If nobody tries then the world will just stay the same. All you have to do is try and that’s doing more than most.”
Make A Difference Day encourages individuals to get involved in their community and emphasizes the importance of small works. For people looking for something to do on this day, good-deeds-day.org contains a list of ways to serve.
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