Economically Speaking: State strives for 1,000 'Make a Difference Day' projects

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Joseph L. Driskill is the director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.|ret||ret||tab|

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As scientist George Washington Carver once said, How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these. |ret||ret||tab|

A special opportunity for all of us to make a difference in the lives of others is coming up on Oct. 25. |ret||ret||tab|

Make a Difference Day is a national day of recognition intended to promote volunteerism and neighbors helping neighbors. It is sponsored by USA Weekend magazine, and supported statewide by the Missouri Community Service Commission, which is part of the Department of Economic Development. Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell also is very active in promoting Make a Difference Day, as the chair of the Community Service Commission. |ret||ret||tab|

Individuals and organizations nationwide are welcome to participate in Make a Difference Day by undertaking a service project and carrying it out on Oct. 25. The list of possible projects is endless: visiting the elderly, collecting canned goods or blankets for the needy, cleaning community parks or schools, or any other type of community service. Participants may complete an entry form to register their project, so they are eligible for a national or local awards and a cash donation to a worthy cause.|ret||ret||tab|

A couple from Rogersville received a national award for the project they completed for last years Make a Difference Day. |ret||ret||tab|

According to a story about the couple that was published last spring in USA Weekend, Jim and Judy Huff, who are both disabled, spent several months last year scouring yard sales for coats to donate to needy families. The couple spent under $3 per coat. |ret||ret||tab|

After making their purchases, the Huffs mended, laundered and boxed the coats for delivery.|ret||ret||tab|

The Huffs collected a total of 162 coats, with matching gloves that were donated by their son-in-laws boss. |ret||ret||tab|

They quietly delivered the coats to Crosslines, a nonprofit organization that assists the needy. The Huffs said they started the project because they were inspired to give back after friends and family helped them when Jim Huffs health problems led to his disability. |ret||ret||tab|

The Huffs are a wonderful example of how each of us has the power to make a difference. |ret||ret||tab|

Make a Difference Day is a win-win situation for everyone; participants gain satisfaction through their good deed and the needy, the homeless and Missouris communities reap the rewards. Our Make a Difference Day participation goal for Missouri is 1,000 projects, and I encourage each of you to take on a community service project, no matter how big or small. Every project improves the quality of life for you and your neighbors. |ret||ret||tab|

For more information, go to the Community Service Commissions Web site www.movolunteers.org and click on Make A Difference Day. You may also find more information on www.makea differenceday.com. To register your project for Make A Difference Day, please contact Vicky Thomann at vicky.thomann @ded.mo.gov or at 573-522-1847.|ret||ret||tab|

We want to show the rest of the nation that Missouri is dedicated to helping others. Please join us on Oct. 25 and Make A Difference in someones life.|ret||ret||tab|

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