Millions of Americans Rally Make a Difference Day 2009 "“ October 24

Volunteers and Organizations Will Improve Many Lives on the Nation’s Largest Day of Doing Good

Published 10-29-09

Submitted by Points of Light

Millions of Americans will unite in a common mission to improve the lives of others on Make A Difference Day, Saturday, Oct. 24.

Sponsored by USA WEEKEND Magazine in partnership with HandsOn Network, Make A Difference Day is the nation's largest day of doing good. For nearly two decades, Make A Difference Day has consistently called millions to action to feed, clothe and house their neighbors.

Newman's Own supports the day with an annual $100,000 donation that is given to 10 charities as National Make A Difference Day Awards. This year, Newman's Own is also providing breakfast cereal to feed volunteers at 50 projects.

"This has been such a difficult year, and now, more than ever, people across America need help," says Marcia Bullard, President and CEO of USA WEEKEND Magazine. "Helping even for just for one day can change a life."

Thousands of projects are planned coast to coast involving corporations, communities, non-profit organizations, entire states and individual Americans. Many of the 250 HandsOn Network affiliates are leading projects across the nation.

"Make A Difference Day is a demonstration of our core belief that it’s through people that change happens in the world," says Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute and Co-Founder of HandsOn Network. "People across the country will be engaged in service projects that will strengthen their communities on this special day of civic engagement."

Recognizing the power of Make A Difference Day, other organizations have joined with USA WEEKEND and HandsOn Network this year to inspire and recognize the valuable work of volunteers:

AARP’s Create the Good. The organization will recognize the efforts of two Make A Difference Day projects with $5,000 donations to their charities of choice. The winners must participate in projects that helped senior citizens remain in their homes. AARP will feature their stories in ongoing communications.

Disney FamilyFun. For one family that volunteers together on Make A Difference Day, the magazine will make a $2,500 donation to the family’s charity of choice. Disney FamilyFun also is promoting the event online and in two issues of the magazine, which has 2 million readers.

Entertainment Industry Foundation. Hollywood’s leading charity has joined forces with USA WEEKEND to encourage Americans to volunteer on Make A Difference Day and through their iParticipate program. Since September, USA WEEKEND has published essays about the importance of volunteering, written by stars including singer Alicia Keys and actor Gary Sinise. The Oct. 18 cover of USA WEEKEND features stars from each of the four major TV networks, kicking off a week when more than 60 shows will feature messages about volunteering.

WE tv. The cable network is airing Make A Difference Day public service announcements daily through Oct. 24. It is also promoting Make A Difference Day online. In addition, USA WEEKEND is partnering with WE tv on a volunteering survey; the results will appear in an April 2010 issue of the magazine.

University of Phoenix. North America’s largest private university is funding Make A Difference Day projects in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix with HandsOn Network Action Centers. University of Phoenix students, faculty and alumni are expected to volunteer at each site. Make A Difference Day also will be promoted on the university’s website, which gets more than one million unique visitors per day.

About USA WEEKEND Magazine
USA WEEKEND Magazine is a national weekly magazine, distributed through more than 700 newspapers in the United States. It created Make A Difference Day in 1992. Awarded for its journalism and design, USA WEEKEND focuses on social issues, entertainment, health, food and travel. USA WEEKEND is a Gannett Co., Inc., publication.

About HandsOn Network
HandsOn Network, the volunteer-focused arm of Points of Light Institute, is the largest volunteer network in the nation and includes more than 250 HandsOn Action Centers that reach more than 83% of the nation’s population and extend to 10 countries. HandsOn includes a powerful network of more than 70,000 corporate, faith and non-profit organizations that are answering the call to serve and creating scaled impact. In 2008, the network delivered approximately 30 million hours of volunteer service valued at $615 million. For more information, visit handsonnetwork.org.

Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org.

Partnering with Points of Light means you’ll have the expertise and support you need to mobilize your colleagues and create community impact using all aspects of civic engagement. We've helped companies with a variety of needs including implementing large-scale employee volunteer events, tackling your larger social impact vision, expanding how you engage communities and consumers, infusing new ideas to your annual employee engagement programs, connecting with peers to bring the latest and greatest ideas on impact measurement, and getting company leadership investment and buy-in. Learn more today.

Millions of Americans Rally Make a Difference Day 2009 "“ October 24

Millions of Americans Rally Make a Difference Day 2009 "“ October 24

Points of Light

Points of Light

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