Yesterday was our annual Make a Difference Day observance. Nearly 70 Girl Scouts, parents, and volunteers met at Oak Chapel UMC to complete projects that will benefit others. Many more donated supplies beforehand, bringing the total number involved with these projects to nearly 100.

The primary beneficiaries of this year’s projects will be residents in memory care facilities (Alzheimer’s and dementia patients). Girls in Kindergarten through 12th grade partnered with adults to create “fidget blankets/aprons”, which are lap quilt-sized pieces of fabric with various activities and textures sewn on. Small stuffed animals, wooden beads, and PVC screw-on pipe fittings were just a few of the activities incorporated in these comfort providing projects.

Additionally, girls helped to wash and dress baby dolls which will be donated to Mountain Vision, as well as craft Christmas ornaments for two of the holiday trees at the Wooster branch of the Wayne County Public Library. Popular ornaments included snowmen, Christmas trees, and holiday swirls.

Make a Difference Day was originally proposed by USA WEEKEND magazine and was first observed in 1992. Points of Light later took up the mantel, and together the two organizations promoted this unofficial, secular event for over 20 years. While there are no longer any organizations promoting this event at a national level, observances are still held on the last Saturday in October all over the country. ~Jen