Have you ever been kind to someone and noticed how happy it made them? How did it make you feel? The National Make a Difference Day is a special day that happens every year on the fourth Saturday in October. It is a day when Americans come together to help others. On this day, kids, families, and even whole communities work on projects that make the world a better place. Anyone can join in no matter how big or small the action is.
There are so many ways people help on Make a Difference Day. Some groups make outdoor spaces clean and safe for everyone by cleaning up parks and beaches. Others visit animal shelters to walk dogs or collect supplies like food and blankets. Many people plant flowers or trees to make their cities more beautiful.
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Many communities come together on Make a Difference Day to help others like this group painting a health clinic in Long Beach, California.
A newspaper called USA Weekend held the first National Make a Difference Day in 1992. The newspaper’s editors wanted to create a day when people could focus on volunteering and being kind towards others. They believed that even small actions could have a big impact on people’s lives. Since then, millions of people have joined in every year. Schools, clubs, churches, and organizations plan special events to help their communities.
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Volunteering to sort food at a food bank is a fun and rewarding way to help your community.
Here are some ways to make a difference in your community:
- collecting food and clothing for families in need
- visiting retirement communities to talk or play games with seniors
- cooking a meal for a neighbor
- writing thank you messages for community helpers
National Make a Difference Day is just one day each year, but it reminds us that we can help others every day!
What Do You Think? What will you do on National Make a Difference Day?
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