National Make a Difference Day

(Editor’s Note: this post was written by PBC Board Member, Claudia Franco Kelly.)

Each day, we are given the opportunity to change the world and National Make a Difference Day is about emphasizing the importance of community service and volunteerism. National Make A Difference Day began in 1992 and is celebrated every fourth Saturday of October. There are many reasons to acknowledge National Make a Difference Day, but simply put, it’s about assisting those in need and experiencing the good feeling of helping others. 

The options to help people and give back to your community are endless. A good place to start is with some soul-searching and by asking yourself, “What am I passionate about?” It might be women’s equality, education and outdoor experiences for children, voting rights, the arts, food insecurity, or any one of a number of important causes that could benefit from your time, talents, and attention. 

For instance, if it’s the arts that you are enthusiastic about, then look at the website of a local theater and see what volunteer opportunities exist and reach out to them.  If food insecurity is something you care deeply about, call a local food bank, maybe you can help run a food drive or deliver food to the homebound in your community. Do you have a specialized skill that could help advance the mission of a local nonprofit?  For me, I knew I wanted to serve as a Board member, so I got involved with Nonprofit Connect, an organization in my community that provides training in board leadership and other nonprofit resources. Through that program I met with organizations that were searching for new Board members and now serve on the Board of Trustees of the Princeton-Blairstown Center.  In my time on PBC’s Board, I have been able to use skills I developed through my professional experience to help move the organization forward.

Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, to worthwhile causes, and to your community, but the benefits that accrue to you are often greater than what you give. I have had the opportunity to meet new people in my community and create a new social outlet, which I wasn’t able to do while I was commuting. It’s also a chance to develop or hone a skill, and get that wonderful feeling that you have made an impact. 

In today’s environment, there are many individuals and nonprofit organizations that are significantly and negatively impacted by the pandemic and I ask you to please consider what you have to give. Your time, your talent, or your treasure, even in small doses, can have a positive effect on someone in need.     

I’ll close with what I think is particularly good advice from the tennis legend Arthur Ashe:  ”Start where you are.  Use what you have.  Do what you can.”