<In this series:
"Life With Bonnie" star Bonnie Hunt on making a difference.
Breckin Meyer loves to make a difference with "pound puppies."
Comedian George Lopez helps folks back home
Emmy-winning talk show host Wayne Brady on helping
Moderator of "The View" recalls a poor boy
Papers lead readers to improve their cities
Never Give Up! By Dick Vitale
It's so Raven to help others

News you can use
Local papers lead readers to improve their cities.

Each year, more than 3 million people are moved to community action on Make A Difference Day. Much of that inspiration comes from the nearly 600 newspapers that carry USA WEEKEND. In some, local columnists encourage participation; others run editorials endorsing the day. And some newspapers do in-depth coverage of community needs, spotlighting how readers can make real changes in a day.

"Readers like to see stories about people in our community doing good for others," says Lisa Miner, staff writer and Make A Difference Day coordinator at the "Daily Herald" in Arlington Heights, Ill. For more than 10 years, the suburban Chicago paper has encouraged readers to join Make A Difference Day through editorials and calls to action. Over the years, such outstanding local efforts occurred there that readers received two national Make A Difference Day Awards and $20,000 for local charity.

In a first-time effort, the "Tribune Chronicle" in Warren, Ohio, is teaming with dozens of agencies and individuals to mobilize readers to improve the community. In mid-July the newspaper began running weekly stories about needs and how readers could lend a hand. The paper's Web site, tribune-chronicle.com, is now matching volunteers and needs.

In Phoenix, this is the third year that the "Arizona Republic" is motivating the community through a series of messages in the paper. "This is an easy, fun way for our readers to make an impact on our community," says Diana Bohr, community relations manager. "We encourage everyone to get involved." And, they do: More than 5,000 people volunteer on Make A Difference Day in Phoenix. Among them are "Arizona Republic" employees. This year, they'll partner with KPNX Channel 12 to host a day of fun for kids from shelters and crisis nurseries.

In Florida, the "Daytona Beach News-Journal" joins forces with the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, which is the clearinghouse for projects and volunteers. In early October, the paper runs a story that focuses on larger and unusual projects happening on Make A Difference Day. That same story lists projects in need of volunteers. Last year, more than 3,000 locals helped others on Make A Difference Day.