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A series on organizations in the volunteer world

AmeriCorps leads the way

On one Saturday, nearly 75,000 young Americans help you to help others.

FOR AMERICORPS members, Make A Difference Day is somewhat of a baptism. Every year on USA WEEKEND's Make A Difference Day -- the nation's largest day of helping others -- many members of AmeriCorps, the federal program that since 1994 has provided volunteers for service nationwide, perform their first official acts as AmeriCorps volunteers. Others choose Make A Difference Day for their AmeriCorps swearing-in ceremonies.

The Good Neighbors picnic will feature giveaways, food, games and more for the city's impoverished residents.

"It's a natural relationship for us because it's about volunteering and serving," says Siobhan Dugan, an AmeriCorps spokeswoman in Washington, D.C. "It's something we have a very strong commitment to."

Spotlight on two efforts

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the 15th Make A Difference Day, most of AmeriCorps' 75,000 members will participate in various acts of kindness, including raking leaves, running book drives, renovating houses and more. Here's a look at two plans:

In Columbus, Ohio, nearly 1,000 homeless men, women and children will be guests at a picnic in Goodale Park. AmeriCorps members of City Year Columbus will work with the city's volunteer center, Firstlink, to put on the Good Neighbors picnic, which features giveaways, food, games and more for the city's impoverished residents.

"Everyone's really excited about it," says Andrea Altenhofen, Make A Difference Day volunteer coordinator. "We're going to help run the games, the crafts and the shuttles. All our members will be there."

In Flagstaff, Ariz., at least 300 volunteers are expected to join the 65-member Youth In Action AmeriCorps in a broad day of volunteerism. Projects include making quilts for kids who are in child protective services, cleaning up graffiti, improving trails and putting together food boxes.

"We like to instill a sense of volunteerism year round," says project director Deidre Crawley. "We call it 'Make A Difference Today and Tomorrow.' "
-- Patricia Kime