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About the Day
Make A Difference Day has a simple mission; put your cares on hold for one day to care for someone else. As the nation’s largest day of service, it inspires 3 million people to help an estimated 20 million people on the fourth Saturday of each October. USA WEEKEND’s partner in the day is the Points of Light Foundation. Paul Newman provides $100,000 in awards. To learn more, visit the site below.
http://www.serveohio.org/
History
Since 1999, Good Neighbors has hosted a day of fun and relaxation for children and families in Central Ohio who are homeless on the national Make A Difference Day celebration. Each year, a team of volunteers gather to “make a difference” in the lives of the homeless of Columbus.
Sponsored by FIRSTLINK, this team of Good Neighbors works to host a community picnic with the help of sponsors, donors and volunteers.
The picnic provides refuge from the day-to-day stress of daily life for homeless families. Men, women, and children are treated to free food and beverages in a picnic atmosphere. A free clothing store offers a place that parents can select much needed clothing for themselves and their children. Everyone plays lawn games, participates in craft activities, select free toys and books, and enjoy an array of talented entertainers.
Awards
In 2001, FIRSTLINK and its partnering organizations received one of only ten Make A Difference Day Ohio awards presented by Ohio's First Lady, Hope Taft, and OSU's Head Football coach, Jim Tressel. These awards recognized select events such as the Good Neighbors Picnic for their outstanding demonstration of community volunteerism during the annual national day of service.
In 2006, Good Neighbors Picnic was honored with the Make A Difference Day Ohio Project Encore Award recognizing our annual project efforts serving the homeless community.
How you can help
Each year we host hundreds of Central Ohio homeless. Volunteers give selflessly of their time and talents to create a successful Make A Difference Day event.
You can help by sharing your financial support with us. Send your check payable to:
FIRSTLINK-MADD
Attn: William McCulley
195 North Grant Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Just click on either Donate or Volunteer to help!
Your support makes this event happen! Thank You!
Read “My Vision,” an essay by event founder William McCulley.
View our Photo and Video Gallery
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