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Posted on October 12, 2011 11:16
Preparations Under Way For Local ‘Make A Difference Day’
Published: Monday, October 10, 2011 1:12 AM CDT
Preparations for the Yankton area’s Make A Difference Day are in full swing, and organizations from the Yankton Area United Way, The Center, The Yankton Chamber Of Commerce and many others are asking the public for assistance in helping others in the community.
Part of a national event held annually the fourth Saturday of October, Make A Difference Day rallies millions of people across the country into a single day of action to help change the world.
“Anyone can participate,” said Pam Kettering of the United Way. “This is not just for people in Yankton, it is for our entire area.”
Lauren Hanson of the United Way said her office is focusing on the Coat and Winter Wear Giveaway.
“Last year, we distributed about 460 items,” she said. “That includes winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, boots and snow pants — winter outerwear.”
The coat and winter wear give away will take place at the Human Services Center’s south training center (old chapel) on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9-10:30 a.m.
However, the United Way needs the community’s help now.
“We are asking people to look through their closets and find those coats and winter items that they are no longer wearing,” Kettering said. “The community collection drive is happening right now through Friday, Oct. 14. People can bring their gently used items to our collection centers at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, area schools, Payless Shoes in the Yankton Mall and the Yankton Boy’s and Girls Club. From there we will get them sorted by size and type, so when our actual give away occurs, it is all ready to go.”
Kettering said the United Way no longer washes and repairs the items donated, so make sure that all items donated have been washed.
“While we don’t fix any items that come in, we do have a table where we put our ‘as-is items,’” Kettering said. “Otherwise if an item is clean and in good repair it will be hung up and sized for selection.”
Hanson said that if a member of the community is in need of winter wear — from sizes infant to adults — they should arrive at the giveaway as early as possible.
“While we do limit the giveaway to one coat for each person in the family, the selection does go very fast,” she said. “We do not ask for any proof of income; if a family needs items, they are welcome to come and find items for their family. Any items left over after we are done will be donated to either the Clothing Closet or taken to those in need on reservations in the state.”
In addition to the giveaway, the Clothing Closet will be having a free voucher that day from 9 a.m.-noon.
Other scheduled events in the community on Make A Difference Day include:
• a Senior Yard Work event being sponsored by The Center;
“Mount Marty College’s Acting Compassionate Through Service (ACTS) group contacted us that they have 10 students who will be going throughout the community and doing yard work, putting up storm windows, general helping around the home for seniors of the area who have called and let us know they need assistance,” said Tammy Matuska of The Center. “If someone in the community would like to get signed up and on the list, they should call The Center (665-4685) to get registered.”
• Lions Club will be hosting the second annual baby shower for the Contact Center at 605 East 18th Street from 2-4 p.m. They will be collecting anything to make a baby happy, warm and dry. Items collected can include baby food, formula, bibs, clothing and baby wipes.
• the Yankton Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a sandbag river clean up; and
• the annual Boy Scout food drive for the Contact Center will be held.
“While Make A Difference Day is a great way to get everyone in the community out helping each other, it isn’t the only way we are trying to help our neighbors,” Kettering said. “People don’t have to be involved in the set-up events. If they want to go out and pick up litter, mow their neighbors yard — whatever they do, it helps. We just want people to get involved. They also don’t have to wait until just this one day. We are here helping year round.”
Kettering said if a person in the community is looking for a way to help, contact the United Way office at 605-665-6766
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