More essays
Ann Curry "Today" show anchor: "The kindness of strangers"
Susan Vreeland catalogs how people made a difference while she was fighting lymphoma
The lesson in taking a youngster to the ballpark. By Brad Meltzer
Kermit the Frog hops on the volunteer bandwagon
Rabbi Kushner, author of '"When Bad Things Happen to Good People"
John Edgar Wideman, "Hoop Roots: Basketball, Race and Love" author, keeps hope in simple human connections
Frances & Ginger Park, a father's memory inspires two sisters to write about their heritage.

Hop aboard the volunteer bandwagon

Kermit, national spokesfrog for Make A Difference Day, is looking for a volunteer activity to attend Saturday, Oct. 27, and he'll donate $10,000 to the project he selects. Register your plans this week so Kermit can consider you! For more information, see the box at right and go to the Web site makeadifferenceday.com.

By KERMIT THE FROG

Kermit the Frog with young volunteers who will take part in Make A Difference Day activities planned by the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles

Making a difference in the lives of others -- of all species -- always has been an important part of my life. And the wonderful thing about sharing yourself and your gifts is this: The more you give, the more you get. (Miss Piggy still needs some convincing on this one.)

But it's true. I think about a recent visit I made to New York Hospital with Musicians On Call, a group that makes it possible for touring music stars to stop by hospitals to entertain kids and adults who need cheering up. I sang a few songs and told jokes, but mostly I was there to talk and listen -- and to brighten up some faces. The biggest surprise came when I left and realized that I had the biggest smile of all. Those friends at New York Hospital made a difference in my life, as I hope I made a difference in theirs.

This kind of help doesn't work just with humans. I've spent a lot of time with my good friend Tippi Hedren in support of The Roar Foundation's Shambala Preserve in Acton, Calif. It's a great place where big cats -- lions, tigers and leopards -- and two African elephants are protected and cared for. Who could imagine that a mere talking frog could make a difference in the life of a mighty lion? Kind of gives one "paws." (Sorry. That was a Fozzie Bear joke.)

Anyway, you don't have to be a talking frog to make a difference. We all have talents and gifts we can share with others. In fact, sometimes you can make the biggest difference by not doing very much -- just giving your time and being a friend.

In honor of Make A Difference Day on Oct. 27, I've put together a few quick tips that I hope will inspire you to make a difference in someone else's life -- and maybe even your own.

Listen to your Inner Animal. My friend Animal is a great example of listening to your instincts and sharing an enthusiasm for life. He generates excitement (and noise) wherever he goes. When you help others, start by doing something you like to do -- cooking, crafts, sports -- and sharing it with others.

Big help can come in small ways. Go to see an older person who can't get out much, take time to play with a child who has special needs or be kind to new people you meet. Those may not sound like big things to do, but believe me, they make a huge difference to the people you help.

Listen, talk, laugh, cry. When I was a tadpole, I thought this was a great big world. But I've learned how small it really is. We're all connected. We all share this life through good days and not-so-good days. Take time to share your experience, to learn about the experience of others, to laugh, cry and celebrate life.

Believe in yourself. What can a single frog -- or person -- do? You'll never know until you try. Take the first step by believing in yourself. The next step is getting out there and doing your best. You'll surprise yourself, amaze others and make our world a better place.

Keep dreaming. There's no single way to make a difference. Look around you and see what unique ways you can dream up to help your family, your community and our world.

A good friend of mine, Jim Henson, once said: "When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave the world a little better place for having been here."

I know that Jim made a difference. And I know you can, too.

Kermit the Frog, author, actor, reporter and amphibitarian, will celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Muppet Show with all of his friends at MuppetFest! -- a celebration of all things Muppet -- Sept. 22-23 in Pasadena, Calif. For more information, visit henson.com.

Photo by JANET VAN HAM for USA WEEKEND