National ‘Make A Difference Day’ comes to area

Staff Report

On Oct. 26, Americans across the nation will come together for national Make A Difference Day –– a day and a mission for people to improve their communities.

Local civic volunteers are planning the first-ever Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula (GHKP) Make a Difference Day celebration.

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, working with leaders from the Key Peninsula Community Council, Gig Harbor Fish Food Bank, Harbor WildWatch, the Key Peninsula Civic Center and many other groups, will host a local campaign at their temporary headquarters in Uptown Gig Harbor.

The foundation's five Core Area Boards (CABs) will be represented and key partner organizations will be engaged to make a difference in the community.

Foundation President Julie Gustanski said this event will physically bring people from the community together.

“At the campaign headquarters they can make a financial donation, deliver food, school supplies, winter clothing, or fruits and vegetables from their gardens, or sign up to receive needed services from area organizations,” Gustanski said.

According to a Greater Gig Harbor Foundation press release, during the event community members can see the grassroots work being done by the foundation, the arts and culture, education, parks and environment, recreation and social capital groups to help nonprofits on both peninsulas fulfill their needs.

Citizens will learn how they can easily make a difference through volunteering in their community, the press release said.

“Make a Difference Day is a demonstration of our core belief that it’s through people that change happens in the world,” said Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute and co-founder of HandsOn Network. “People across the country will be engaged in service projects that will strengthen their communities on this special day of civic engagement.”

KGHP-FM radio station manager Spencer Abersold will broadcast live from the location that day. With support from CenturyLink, a telethon is planned from 3 to 6 p.m., where the message “we just made a difference for our community” can be shared by callers from a phone bank.

For information, to sign up as a volunteer or to apply for a booth, call (253) 514-6338.