(Posted Oct. 15, 2015)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Whether big or small, any act of kindness can make a difference, says Marci Darlington.
The West Jefferson resident is coordinating a countywide effort to complete a wide array of volunteer projects on Oct. 24, Make A Difference Day. She has several volunteers and projects lined up, but would love to have more of both.
“It could be raking leaves for an elderly neighbor or helping to paint park equipment. We’re open to all sorts of ideas and would love lots of people to get involved,” Darlington said.
Girl Scouts plan to pick up trash at the Mount Sterling Community Center and around the village. A church group is set to do yardwork at Meadowview Village in Mount Sterling. London Lions Club members and Madison Health physical therapy staffers are painting the gazebo at Cowling Park. Members of the Plain City Area Baseball Association will paint and repair playground equipment and benches at Pastime Park. West Jefferson Lions Club members are painting the Santa Claus house at Garrette Park. Members of the Church of Latter Day Saints will pick up trash along Route 142 between London and West Jefferson.
These are a few of the projects set to take place on Oct. 24. Anyone, whether as an individual, family or group, can suggest project ideas and/or perform volunteer work as part of the countywide event.
On Oct. 24, Make A Difference Day hubs will be set up at four locations around Madison County. The hubs serve three purposes: as check-in points for volunteers; as drop-off spots for anyone who wants to donate eyeglasses, coats, hats, baseball caps, non-perishable food, toys, baby supplies, and cash donations; and as information display areas for service organizations that serve county residents.
The hubs are as follows:
- West Jefferson United Methodist Church, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Marci Darlington, bbmarci@msn.com or (740) 490-8317 for more information.
- Madison House community room, London, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For information, contact Barbara Cranston Rife, (614) 361-7781 or bcranso@columbus.rr.com.
- Mount Sterling American Legion Hall, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For information, contact Amanda Hampton, (614) 800-8451 or amandatmcfbh@gmail.com.
- DNA Community Center, Plain City, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For information, contact Sue Cutler, suecutler613@gmail.com, and Missy Bissell, mlbissell@gmail.com or (614) 204-5335.
Everyone who completes a volunteer project will be treated to breakfast or lunch at their respective hub and will receive a goodie bag. For further details, go to madisoncountyohiomakeadifferenceday.com.
