Make a Difference Day - October 22
The idea that anyone can make a difference is a concept that most people do not apply to themselves. There is a thought that someone else needs to attach value to your life before you are able to influence others or change the world. Changing this thought and enabling citizens to actively impact their communities for the better are the ultimate goals of Make a Difference Day. The day was first suggested in a 1992 USA WEEKEND magazine article encouraging service on February 29, and since then has grown – thanks to partnerships with Points of Light and other media –into a national service holiday annually held on the fourth Saturday of October.
In the weeks approaching this year’s Make a Difference Day on October 22, our St. Louis’ ServiceWorks VISTA team knew we wanted to work with several of the teenage scholars we regularly serve. Project ideas were thrown around and schedules were compared. Finally, we decided to work with St. Louis Arc’s (SLARC) Bowling League as bowling assistants. SLARC’s bowling league aims to provide access to sport for intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals. This was a perfect project for us to work with a different population. It was also a learning opportunity for both our team and scholars since it is important to recognize that these bowling individuals are human and deserve the right to have equal access to sports regardless of ability.
Due to the number of scholars who came to volunteer with us October 22, we were split into two project sites, one at the Olivette Lanes in Olivette, Missouri, and another at Sunset Lanes in Crestwood, Missouri. Bowling league members eagerly arrived with parents, guardians, or staff members. The excitement was palpable in the building. Some bowlers brought their own bowling balls, and others energetically talked to anyone around them as they waited in line to receive their bowling shoes. It was organized chaos, and it was inspiring.
Smiles were plastered onto everyone’s faces. You could hear the sound of bowling balls rolling on smooth wood along with bubbling laughter as strikes and spares were obtained. As volunteers, the VISTAs and scholars cheered on the bowlers and encouraged them to try their best and make their time worthwhile. Judging by the happiness and acceptance that could be felt by all at the end of the day, there is no doubt that their and our best was achieved.
Make a Difference Day promotes creating change in other’s lives through simple acts of service. All around the country, children and adults alike take initiative to help others in need. Whether it is simply signing up as a volunteer for a small scale project or organizing a large scale community event, it does not matter how many people are affected to make a difference. The importance is getting involved in the slew of opportunities available. As long as we keep the concept that everyone can make an impact within our reach, the world will change one step at a time.
