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Issue date:Oct 17, 1999
In this article:
My Make A Difference Day project
I'll never forget that day as long as I live
Volunteering,
working with people, is the best
Go
to the Make A Difference Day Web site
Recipe
from Make A Difference Day supporter Paul Newman
"It's very important
to give back"
  ext
Saturday, I'll be in Chicago having a blast and changing some lives.
I'll join volunteers in helping load up 2 million brand-new books
that will be distributed to children who might otherwise never be
able to proudly write their name on the inside cover or own a book
that has no dogeared pages.
My Make A Difference Day project is a kick start
to an organization I support, First Book, because I think it's very
important for children to learn to read and want to read. I tell
my 9-year-old son, Shelby, he's got to know how to read to become
a professional hockey player, a jet-fighter pilot or a bull rider
in the rodeo like he wants to be. I know that kids who may never
get out of their town will be able to see the world through books.
But I'm talking about my passion. What's yours?
That's the wonderful thing about Make A Difference Day. You decide
what to do. It can be anything. It can be something as small as
going over and mowing your elderly neighbor's yard.
Last spring, I got to meet some of the people
who did those great things when they were honored by USA WEEKEND
magazine in Washington, D.C. I tell you, I was so inspired by the
21-year-old twins from Ohio who got a volunteering competition going
on their college campuses and the welfare mothers from Kansas who
cleaned up a neighborhood and painted playground equipment. I'll
never forget that day as long as I live.
Volunteering, working with people, is the best.
Not only are you helping others, but you get to meet the nicest
folks. If you don't do it, you're really missing out. I promise
you'll be so inspired you'll kick yourself, saying, "Why didn't
I do this before?"
It's always been important to me to give something back. And despite
our booming economy, there is need. I travel around the country
and I see school systems that need help. I see people who are homeless
or not taken care of. All you have to do is get in your car and
drive around. You'll find something. And when you do, tell somebody
else about it and maybe they'll help, too. Giving is contagious.
This is easy for me to say because I've experienced Make A Difference
Day. I've almost turned into a preacher for the cause. But I know
if you join me this year to help others on Oct. 23, you will be
a believer, too. Besides, you'll have a blast.
For more information on First Book and Reba's First Book Club,
visit the Web site www.rebasfirstbook.com.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ron Davis for USA WEEKEND
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