Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Share
Make a Difference Day focuses on troops
By BARBARA GOLDMAN, Staff Writer
Community members are invited to put their cares on hold for one day to care for someone else along with other volunteers.
National Make a Difference Day is the nation's largest day of volunteering and inspires 3 million people to help 20 million others on the fourth Saturday of each October.
"Everyone in America has something to give and something to volunteer," said AmeriCorps volunteer Karen Rice. "People all over the country are doing different things."
Mason County and Lewis County AmeriCorps volunteers are working together to make local soldiers the focus. This year's theme, "Our Troops Make a Difference Every Day" is being supported by sending care packages and letters to area military personnel.
According to Rice, each group across the nation has the opportunity to pick how it will make a difference.
"We chose the theme at our initial training at Morehead," said Rice. "We wanted to show our support to make a difference to our local troops."
On Saturday, Oct. 25, volunteers will be on site at Kmart from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. accepting donations for military care packages.
"I'm looking forward to providing a little motivation to the troops and letting them know we're thinking about them," said AmeriCorps volunteer Jessica Taylor. "I'm excited about the students being involved."
Students from Straub Elementary School and Mason County Intermediate School have been busy writing letters and coloring pictures to include in the care packages.
"The best thing about a letter is it's actually a personal connection," said Rice.
AmeriCorps is looking for addresses of local troops to receive the packages. To contact the group, call 606-759-0630.
Items the group plans to include in the packages include beef jerky, microwave popcorn, nuts, individual drink mix, sunscreen, microwavable food, playing cards, puzzle books, AT&T global prepaid military calling cards, tobacco products, gum, lifesavers, mints, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, bodywash liquids (no pumps), hand held games, AA batteries, letters of support, cotton swabs, aspirin, Motrin, Tylenol, drops for dry eyes, and lip balm.
Rice said many of the soldiers needs vary based on where they are stationed.
The group has received some addresses and is also sending some care packages based on wish lists from area soldiers at http://www.anysoldier.com, a Web site that posts letters from soldiers.
"The Web site includes lots of people who don't get mail. They're lucky to get something one time a month. It's a huge thing for them," said Rice.
On Friday, Oct. 24, Americorps will also be collecting canned foods at the Mason County Intermediate School Fall Festival. The canned foods will go to local food pantries on Make a Difference Day.
Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
National Make a Difference Day is the nation's largest day of volunteering and inspires 3 million people to help 20 million others on the fourth Saturday of each October.
"Everyone in America has something to give and something to volunteer," said AmeriCorps volunteer Karen Rice. "People all over the country are doing different things."
Mason County and Lewis County AmeriCorps volunteers are working together to make local soldiers the focus. This year's theme, "Our Troops Make a Difference Every Day" is being supported by sending care packages and letters to area military personnel.
According to Rice, each group across the nation has the opportunity to pick how it will make a difference.
"We chose the theme at our initial training at Morehead," said Rice. "We wanted to show our support to make a difference to our local troops."
On Saturday, Oct. 25, volunteers will be on site at Kmart from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. accepting donations for military care packages.
"I'm looking forward to providing a little motivation to the troops and letting them know we're thinking about them," said AmeriCorps volunteer Jessica Taylor. "I'm excited about the students being involved."
Students from Straub Elementary School and Mason County Intermediate School have been busy writing letters and coloring pictures to include in the care packages.
"The best thing about a letter is it's actually a personal connection," said Rice.
AmeriCorps is looking for addresses of local troops to receive the packages. To contact the group, call 606-759-0630.
Items the group plans to include in the packages include beef jerky, microwave popcorn, nuts, individual drink mix, sunscreen, microwavable food, playing cards, puzzle books, AT&T global prepaid military calling cards, tobacco products, gum, lifesavers, mints, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, bodywash liquids (no pumps), hand held games, AA batteries, letters of support, cotton swabs, aspirin, Motrin, Tylenol, drops for dry eyes, and lip balm.
Rice said many of the soldiers needs vary based on where they are stationed.
The group has received some addresses and is also sending some care packages based on wish lists from area soldiers at http://www.anysoldier.com, a Web site that posts letters from soldiers.
"The Web site includes lots of people who don't get mail. They're lucky to get something one time a month. It's a huge thing for them," said Rice.
On Friday, Oct. 24, Americorps will also be collecting canned foods at the Mason County Intermediate School Fall Festival. The canned foods will go to local food pantries on Make a Difference Day.
Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
Share this Article
 |
 |
|
| What has become of Wyldwood? | Grant will create counseling program at Children's Advocacy Center |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of maysville-online.com.
