Missouri Takes Top Honor on "Make A Difference Day" 2003

JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri ranked #1 in the nation this year in number of
projects on the national day of volunteer service, known as "Make a
Difference Day", which is supported by the Missouri Community Service
Commission (MCSC). "Make A Difference Day" 2003 was held across the nation,
Sat. Oct. 25 with thousands of Missourians serving their communities and
state through volunteer service. Missouri came in at number one with over
490 projects registered to take place on the day, surpassing last year's
total of 214 projects and moving Missouri up from number three. Lt. Gov.
Maxwell serves as chairman of the MCSC, and he and his wife and two
daughters served as honorary co-chairpersons of "Make A Difference Day"
2003.

 "These Missourians truly reflect the meaning of living in the Show-Me State
with such an incredible turnout for 'Make A Difference Day' this year," said
Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell. "Missourians showed the rest of the nation that
they are dedicated to helping their fellow neighbor and taking
responsibility for improving the communities in which they live. Their
efforts will work to ensure that they are leaving a better Missouri for
their own children."

Individuals and organizations were encouraged to participate in the
volunteer day by taking part in a project to increase community betterment.
Projects across the state ranged from food and clothing drives and trash
pick up to distributing free smoke detectors and holding a chili cook-off
with proceeds benefiting a local elementary school. 

There are no guidelines on the size of a project or the amount of time it
takes. Volunteers were asked to register their projects online or through
the MCSC in order to be counted toward state recognition. Participants also
have a chance to win a cash donation to benefit their charity by submitting
a brief description of the project that took place on "Make A Difference
Day." Paul Newman of Newman's Own products will donate $10,000 each to ten
projects selected across the nation. An award entry form can be obtained on
the "Make A Difference Day" Web site and must be postmarked no later than
Nov. 16.

Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, "Make A Difference Day" is an annual event
that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. The Missouri
Community Service Commission has promoted involvement in "Make A Difference
Day" for five years, and seeks to foster an ethic of service in all
citizens, with special emphasis placed on youth. Additional information may
be found online at www.makeadifferenceday.com, or by calling the MCSC
toll-free at 1-877-210-7611.