Make a Difference Day

All over the United States today people will meet up for various activities to try and make a difference in their communities. They will clean roadways and parks. Sponsor and volunteer at events for senior citizens or underprivileged children to bring joy or hope or just a little bit of a good time into the lives of these people. My aunt is helping out with bingo and lunch at the local high school for the seniors in her area. Never mind that she is, at 76, as senior herself. She was telling me about it when we were back in Iowa visiting last week. The do this once a year and provide transportation for people who can’t drive any more or they go to the nearby nursing homes and bring over anyone who is able to make the trip. It’s a much anticipated and appreciated event which begs the question of what do these seniors do the rest of the year? And what are the volunteers doing the other 364 days that would qualify as making a difference? Or is one only expected to put oneself out just this one day a year?

To my aunt’s credit, she makes a difference every week. Her community sponsors lunch for the senior citizens once a week at the same school and my aunt volunteers to help serve before sitting down to lunch with her friends. My aunt is not someone who volunteers to make a difference as much as she does this for herself. It makes her feel good to help those of her peers who aren’t as fortunate in their health and circumstances as she is. She doesn’t view it as making a difference as much as it just being the right thing to do.

I wouldn’t want anyone to think I am opposed to Make a Difference Day. I’m not. It’s a good idea, but it is also a short-sighted one. One day of volunteering might instill the “volunteering” spirit in the odd person here and there but more likely these volunteers simply pat themselves on the back for a deed well done and then try to salvage what is left of their weekend. Longer projects like those sponsored by the Jaycees or Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels Programs or local food banks/pantries are probably better ways to make differences than one time events. Still, if just a few people pick up and run with the ideas they get today then it’s a worthwhile endeavor.

Get out and make a difference America. Today is your day.