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How to Make a Difference by Helping Others

Updated on June 22, 2014

National Make A Difference Day: Fourth Saturday in October Annually

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What is Make a Difference Day?

It’s been over 20 years since USA Weekend Magazine and the Points of Light Foundation joined together to sponsor Make a Difference Day. Yet, there are people who still have not heard of it.

This special day is a celebration of community service; neighbors helping neighbors, improving the lives of others. Unique projects are planned and coordinated across the nation. But keep in mind that simple, kind gestures make a difference too.

When is Make a Difference Day?

Annually, the fourth Saturday of October.

Note: This special day is also referred as National Day of Doing Good.

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Newman’s Own Foundation

The Newman’s Own Foundation donates all of its profits to charity, continuing the commitment started by Paul Newman in 1982. They are a huge supporter of Make a Difference Day.

Every year following Make a Difference Day, the Newman’s Own Foundation gives grants of $10,000 each to the charities of 10 National Honorees. In addition, another $10,000 each is given to three City Awardees.

To be considered for these grants, follow the instructions to enter your project information HERE.

At the same website linked above, you can also find starter kits and marketing tools that will assist you in creating a memorable Make a Difference Day. There is also a page where you can search for current projects in your area by simply entering your zip code.

There are so many ways to Make a Difference!

National Day of Doing Good

Have you ever participated in Make a Difference Day?

See results

Kind Gestures Come in a Variety of Sizes

Whether you choose to get involved in an all-day project or something that may take you five minutes, every kind gesture makes a difference.

Be sure to involve children in making a difference whenever possible. Here are a variety of ideas to get you started.

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Volunteer Community Service Projects Ideas

Outdoor Neighborhood Clean Up: Gather a group together and clean up a neighborhood. Paint a community mural to beautify the neighborhood.

Park or Beach Area: Clean up a specific park or beach area. Paint picnic tables and benches to give them new life. Restore a playground to make it safe for visitors.

Compost: Build a neighborhood compost to save money and help the environment.

Home Maintenance: Choose a home that belongs to someone who is unable to keep up the maintenance. Clean up, wash windows, and make home repairs and other types of chores to help this neighbor in need.

Local Business: Choose a local business that is struggling and make a difference. Plan a special event to bring in business or maybe a fundraising event to help the business keep afloat.

Community Center: Volunteer to clean up a community center. Repair things that are broken. Donate or fundraise for the center.

Military Service: Prepare care packages to send to men and women in the military.

Collection for Those Less Fortunate: Set up a location for donations to be dropped off for distribution to people who are in need of things like food, toiletries, clothes, shoes, books, school supplies, toys, monetary donations, etc.

Going Green: Plan activities such as recycling, planting trees or building a community garden.


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Project Ideas for Individuals or Families

Donate Your Services: For example, offer discounted car washes, free hair cuts, low-cost resumes, bicycle repair, etc.

Elderly Neighbors: Take some time check on an elderly neighbor and visit with them. Help them with something they are unable to do. Maybe coordinate a project such as building a wheelchair ramp.

Cook a Meal: Prepare a meal for someone in need and deliver it to them.

House & Yard Clean Up: Help out a neighbor by cleaning up their yard and/or home.

Nursing Home or Hospice: Spend time at a nursing home or hospice visiting with residents. Keep them company by getting involved in their daily activities. Provide entertainment for them.

Babysit: Offer to babysit for someone who really needs a break.

Homeless Shelter/Food Pantry: Spend time volunteering at a homeless shelter or food pantry.

Animal Shelter: Volunteer to work at an animal shelter for a day.

"Make a Difference" Ideas that Take Little Time or Effort

Kind Gesture
Just Do It
Smile
At everyone you see
Write a letter or send a card
Let someone know you are thinking of them
Make a phone call
Contact someone who is lonely
Compliment
Make someone feel special
Hug
Hug someone today

Every little kind gesture makes a difference!

Paying It Forward

Here's another great article you may be interested in by Millionnaire Tips:

The Power of Doing Good Deeds for Other People

Make a Difference EVERY Day

I love doing nice things for people all year long; acts of unconditional kindness when they least expect it. You can Make a Difference too.

This is Sharyn's Slant


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