Reporter-News Archives Saturday, October 25, 1997 Not too late to make a difference By BETH HALLMARK Staff Writer It's never too late to make a difference, even if you haven't already penciled in an activity to participate in Make a Difference Day today. Last-minute volunteers are encouraged to join the effort, said Janet Ardoyno, Abilene's Make a Difference Day coordinator. "There are all kinds of activities to help out with," Ardoyno said. "People can just show up at one of our command posts to get an assignment." Command posts will be located at the G.V. Daniels Recreation Center on Eighth and Treadaway and at the corner of 16th and Pine Street, where Abilene Clean and Proud will be set up. Volunteers armed with paint brushes, ready to scrape, prime and paint are needed at several sites. But Ardoyno said there are hundreds of other ways to make a difference. "Be creative," Ardoyno said. "Maybe go visit a lonely neighbor or write letters to people you care about. Call someone you know is shut in. "Or clean out your closet and donate items you no longer need, just drop them by Goodwill." Donations of clothing, food, books, toys, and toiletries -- needed by several local charitable agencies -- can also be brought to the two command posts. One especially needed item, Ardoyno said, is underwear. "Just go out and buy a few pairs and drop them off at one of our posts," she said. The Food Bank of Abilene will also be open from 1-3 p.m. today accepting donations. With 50,000 volunteers expected to participate in Make A Difference Day in Abilene this year, it shouldn't be too hard to find where projects are taking place. "A lot of area schools have work projects planned," Ardoyno said, "you can go by your local school and pitch in." And all over town, people will be picking up trash, painting, planting and donating their time, energy and goods. "The weather is gorgeous, so we expect a great turnout," Ardoyno said.   Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1997, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications