Make a Difference Day

Make a Difference Day
October 22, 2011

THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO JOINED TOGETHER TO HELP MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS DURING
MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY, 2011.

What is Make a Difference Day: Make a Difference Day is a national day of helping others- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine and in partnership with HandsOn Network, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. Each year, millions of people who care about their communities, join together and volunteer on this day, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns. Check out the many ways volunteer made a difference this year.

On Saturday October 22, 2011-  435 Volunteers donated a combined 1,365 hours of service to make a difference throughout Monterey County.

Volunteers worked with local nonprofits and were able to give back to the community in many ways...

• neighborhood revitalization
• conducted a canned food drive 
• painted and landscaped at local shelters
• clean-up of neighborhood blocks
• supported our troops with cards and letters
• gardened at local schools
• served meals to the homeless
• assisted seniors with home projects
• assembled snack bags for families of sick infants in the Natividad Medical Center NICU.

"The fresh look that had been accomplished will help more parents and students take pride in their school."
                                                                                                   - Volunteer, Graves Elementary School clean up

According to Salinas Valley Community Church, one volunteer who helped make snack bags for the NICU patient families said that she had spent time in the NICU with 3 of her children and wished that she had received such a bag with its brightly decorated sides and note of encouragement. It would have made a difference to her, but now she’s glad that she could encourage someone else.

Stay Connected through Social Media

Locally-The Volunteer Center: Connect with United Way Monterey County on Facebook and keep up with the latest community news, events and opportunities.

Nationally-Make a Difference Day: connect with people around the country and keep up to date with the latest Make a Difference Day news and resources.

Share a Story: Have you or someone you know made a difference in the community this last year? On our facebook page, you can read stories about how others have made a difference and share your own.