Wednesday, October 22, 1997

One day's work can make such a huge impact

Abilenians have a well-established track record of following up good intentions with concrete action. And on no other single day of the year is the impact of that follow-through more evident than on Make A Difference Day.

On Saturday's national day of doing good, some 50,000 Abilene volunteers will join an estimated 1 million Americans in tackling a host of projects — large and small — that will make a positive impact in our community.

In recent years, Abilene has taken a leadership role in this cause, which is sponsored by USA Weekend and the Points of Light Foundation. For that effort, the local community has won awards, received national recognition and attracted the attention of network news cameras.

Of course, it's not for the sake of such glory that the good deeds are done but for the good of doing them. And it's not too late for you to join in. Here are just a few of the projects that still need volunteers:

-- Scraping and priming homes before Saturday so they'll be ready to paint for elderly citizens, 676-6234, 676-5683.

-- Answering calls, picking up food products and mowing and yard work for Meals on Wheels, 949 Mesquite, 676-5683.

-- Painting the exterior and trim of the Noah Project shelter, 676-7107.

-- Bagging food at the Food Bank of Abilene, 5505 No. 1st, 695-6311.

-- Building a Reading Castle at Abilene Hope Haven, 677-4673.

-- Replacing a picket fence and a fiberglass roof at Abilene Adult Day Care, 672-5742.

-- Collecting and delivering socks to nursing homes for the Community Action Program, 673-5785.

-- Helping a terminally ill cancer patient with roof repair, ceiling tile replacement and yard work, 676-5683.

-- Loading and unloading for a Home Health client who is moving, 672-2500.

-- Plumbing, carpentry, painting, roofing, electrical work and yard work for Adult Protective Services.

Food donations are still needed for the Food Bank of Abilene, Meals on Wheels, Hope Haven, Salvation Army and Noah Project, while clothing may be donated to Salvation Army, Hendrick Home for Children and Christian Service Center.

In addition to these, there are many other ways to get involved Saturday. There's something everyone can do to make a difference in our community. Call the Volunteer Center at 676-5683 for more information.