(Posted Oct. 12, 2016)
On Oct. 22, volunteers young and old will be out in force across Madison County looking to enhance the lives of their fellow citizens and communities by engaging in service projects. This marks the second year for county-wide participation in Make A Difference Day, a nationally recognized day of community service held annually the fourth Saturday in October.
At four hubs around Madison County, non-profit groups and civic organizations will collect items for people in need, such as non-perishable food items, coats, hats, gloves, diapers, eyeglasses and ball caps. These groups also will share information about their services.
Each hub visitor will receive a card encouraging them to stop at each table/exhibit for information. Completed cards will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including one $50 gift card per hub. In addition, anyone who makes a monetary gift or donation of goods will receive additional chances for the door prizes. Each hub will have a different group of exhibitors, door prizes and activities for everyone to enjoy.
“We are still looking for project ideas and volunteers across the county to help complete these small projects,” said coordinator Marci Darlington.
Projects can be as simple as raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, organizing a coat or food drive, or picking up trash along the roadways or in parks. Church groups, 4-H groups, ball teams, families and businesses are welcome to help out. Any group that completes a project is asked to turn in information and pictures of the project at the closest hub and receive a free meal and small token of appreciation. For information about possible projects, contact Darlington at (740) 490-8317 or bbmarci@msn.com.
The hubs and their hours on Oct. 22 are as follows:
- Mount Sterling Community Center, 164 E. Main St., 3-6 p.m.
- DNA Community Center, 340 W. Main St., Plain City, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- The Madison House Senior Living Community, 351 Keny Blvd., London, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- West Jefferson United Methodist Church, 36 S. Center St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information, visit the national website at www.makeadifferenceday.com or check out the local Facebook page, “Madison County Ohio Make A Difference Day.”
