Making a difference doesn’t always require money. Sometimes it’s all about your time.
Several groups on the Eastern Shore have set out to help others in need by encouraging the community to come together on one day — this Saturday, April 22 — for Salisbury’s first “Be the Difference Day”.
“It’s not just making a difference for a day,” said Salisbury University’s Dr. Lori DeWitt. “It’s being a difference in our community all the time.”
That’s exactly why Dewitt paired up with several non-profits on the Shore, including the United Way, to create the day.
Pam Gregory works for the United Way.
“It’s been an awesome opportunity to collaborate with our friends from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Salisbury University, the City of Salisbury and the Downtown District, as well as the Salisbury University Foundation,” said Gregory.
The goal of the community-wide day of service is to get people of all ability levels and interests to get involved.
Projects include everything from making crafts for courageous children to cleaning a youth center.
Heather Mahler works at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
“I find it very fun that once you get into it, like this weekend will be a great day to bring your friends and family, coworkers out in the sunshine to make new friends and to help the community,” said Mahler.
Interested? Simply sign up online at BeTheDifferenceDay.org
“We’ve got 24 really awesome projects for Saturday,” said Gregory.” Just looking for some great folks to step up.”
“You can literally scroll through the projects and you can see what time,” said DeWitt. “Because they can happen between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.”
Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last).
“Certainly if people sign up on the day, they will be welcome,” said DeWitt. “It’s just a matter of we might not have the t-shirt.”
it’s a small token of appreciation for work greatly needed every day in our community.
“Volunteering is something for everyone regardless of your age, economic background, your professional background,” said Gregory.
Mahler added, “there’s nothing better than helping other people.”
The effort is funded through grants and donations. It won’t cost anyone anything to participate.
Some projects have already filled up.
For more information on the projects that are still open, log on to www.BeTheDifferenceDay.org
