Make A Difference Day is an event hosted by the Volunteer Center at Madison College. It serves as a chance for students to learn about the various volunteer organizations around Madison and meet the people behind them. 

This year, nine organizations will be tabling across the campus, providing students with information about their cause and upcoming events. Some of the more noteworthy names of the list include Madison Parks, the Oakwood Village Retirement Community and Special Olympics Wisconsin.  

Scarlet Martino, the Student Program Advisor for the Volunteer Center, says that Make A Difference Day is not only meant to bring the community closer together, but to also positively impact students’ well-being.  

“The more I’ve engaged with my community through volunteerism, I find that it just makes me feel more connected to Madison, and Madison college specifically. It’s so much more than just meeting new people though. Volunteerism really emphasizes our humanity. It makes us happier to be alive,” Martino said. 

Even if students don’t have the time to join these organizations in their efforts, there are still ways to help. During Make A Difference Day, the Volunteer Center will be doing a small service project with Box of Balloons. Students will have the opportunity to help members of the Volunteer Center pack birthday bags for children in need, providing low-income families with party supplies such as banners and snack packs to ensure their kids smile on their special day.  

Alex Kaiser, the Executive Director for the Volunteer Center, encourages anyone who is interested to stop by. “During my first couple semesters here, I didn’t get involved, and I felt pretty disconnected from everything. But when I started volunteering and working for the volunteer center, all those mental problems slowly began to fade away. Being involved helps you just as much as it helps others,” Kaiser said.   

Make A Difference Day will be held on October 10 at Truax Campus. Contact [email protected] for more information.  

The visiting organizations and the Volunteer Center would love your support.