Celebrate Make a Difference Day, make giving back a habit

October 20, 2009 Bill Crotty

October 24 marks national make a difference day. Created by USA Weekend Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October.

"This has been such a difficult year, and now, more than ever, people across America need help," Marcia Bullard, CEO of the magazine
told Reuters. "Helping even for just for one day can change a life."

Use the day as a reason to get involved in your community or just to do a good deed. Do a little party planning and throw a bash - ask guests to bring canned foods to donate instead of hostess gifts. Hand out literature about your favorite charity as party favors.

Giving back to your community can make your feel good, too. It's a chance to merge your passions and talents and make a difference. For instance, if you like to write, consider writing a grant proposal for a local foundation that you admire. If you like to build things, offer your services to a local charity in your town.

In addition to your skills, make use of all the extra stuff that you might have lying around. It could be as simple as donating old coats and blankets to your local Salvation Army when you switch over to your cold weather clothes for the year.