Make a Difference Day
October 22, 2005

Creston Mayor Mike Tamerius is challenging the community to put its best volunteer foot forward on Make a Difference Day, Saturday, October 22^nd. Creston citizens will be joining millions of Americans across the country who are expected to spend the day doing volunteer projects to improve their communities and help neighbors in need.

The day is the largest community service effort in the nation, rallying corporations, government leaders, charitable organizations and everyday Americans into action on one day. Last year, a record 2.2 million volunteers participated and an estimated 22 million people-in-need benefited; $2.6 million was distributed to the charities of volunteers.

To recognize outstanding volunteer accomplishments, 10 awards of $10,000 will be donated by actor/philanthropist Paul Newman. Award recipients will be selected by a panel of judges including Paul Newman. Awards will be presented in April 2006. To be eligible for an award, community efforts must be registered.

The national day of doing good is in its fifteenth year, but this marks just the second year Creston has joined the effort. In 2004, about 50 skateboarders and others participated in a cleanup, which was one of six local projects honored in Iowa. “That was very spur of the moment”, said Tamerius. “Hopefully people have been thinking about it this year and are ready to jump in and get involved. It could be as simple as raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, or as big as organizing a city wide food drive.”

The Restored Depot will serve as headquarters for Make a Difference Day activities. Groups are encouraged to use the facility as their base of operations for the day’s volunteer efforts.

“So many individuals and organizations in Creston are working for the greater good each and every day. This is an opportunity for them to join forces, compare notes, and maybe inspire something bigger”, said Tamerius. “My office will be available to coordinate groups wanting to help with others who are in need of assistance.”

www.usaweekend.com/diffday or by calling the
Make A Difference Day Hot Line at 1-800-416-3824.

  

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