Since its start in 1992, this great idea has spread far.

By Kathy Rowings

Leap Day marks a milestone at USA WEEKEND. It's the day, back in 1992, when the magazine launched its signature event, Make A Difference Day. The idea was simple: Spend your "extra" day doing something good for someone else. To our delight, nearly 67,000 people accepted the challenge. Now held annually on the fourth Saturday of October, this national day of volunteering mobilizes more than 3 million people.

Among the volunteers that first Leap Day were 1,000 people in Wenatchee, Wash. And thousands of volunteers still turn out there each October.

From Wenatchee, Wash., to Medway, Maine, that simple idea for a day of giving is now a tradition. It has even spread across oceans, most notably to Britain, where 50,000 volunteers turned out in 2007. One of that country's most famous philanthropists, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, says Make A Difference Day is "a genius idea."

He should know about volunteering. Oliver's Fifteen Foundation mentors and trains disadvantaged youths to work in his restaurants, and he's a judge on the new TV show "Oprah's Big Give."

The show, like Make A Difference Day, challenges people to change the lives of others. Oliver hopes to raise awareness that a little effort can go a long way. "If everyone sets a little time aside for others, it really can change things for the better," he says.

For those who don't think that one person can make a difference, Oliver responds with his trademark cheekiness: "That's bolshoi. It always starts with one person. I mean, look at Oprah ..."

Watch contestants compete to help others on the show "Oprah's Big Give," debuting Sunday, March 2 on ABC.