The Town Council voted unanimously to accept a $10,000 grant from USA Today in recognition of the town’s Make a Difference Day efforts.

The town is one of 14 grant winners nationwide.

A stipulation of the community grant is that it be presented to a 501(c)3 charity organization that has shown leadership and involvement in Make a Difference Day efforts.

The local Make a Difference Day planning committee selected the Noon Kiwanis Club to receive the $10,000 grant.

The committee reported that for the past five years Noon Kiwanis has provided volunteers, tools and sweat equity for significant Make a Difference Day projects.

Several of its members have served on the MADD committee and volunteered as project coordinators.

The $10,000 grant will be used by Noon Kiwanis for its Centennial Project to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kiwanis International and the club’s 40th anniversary.

The club plans to assist the town in replacing the original “tot lot” playground equipment installed at Golden Eagle Park more than two decades ago.

The new playground will be designed for 2-5 year olds, similar to the current play structure.

The club has been working with town staff for some time in planning the playground project and hopes to have it completed this calendar year.

The Noon Kiwanis Club has already secured a $5,000 grant commitment from the Kiwanis International Foundation along with $5,000 from the Verne C. Johnson Family Foundation.

Town staff has budgeted $20,000 toward the project in the proposed 2015-16 budget.

The grant application was submitted by Heather Ware, the town’s volunteer coordinator who organizes the annual Make a Difference Day here.

Ware said Noon Kiwanis is committed to serving others and was pleased to receive the grant and pass the money along to the club.

“Whether across the border, in a shelter, Ronald McDonald House or helping our residents in need in town through Make a Difference Day, the Noon Kiwanis Club’s leadership and volunteerism in our community is outstanding,” Ware said.

“Many congratulations in advancing the Kiwanis Centennial Project.”

Noon Kiwanis Club President Al Roselieb said, “We are extremely grateful for Heather’s inspiration and hard work in securing this grant.

“Thank you so much to Heather for her guidance and leadership.

“With her help we will be able to see our Centennial Project to a positive end this year.

“On behalf of the children who will enjoy this new playground equipment, a million thanks!”

Gannett and its USA Today publication was the founding sponsor of the Make a Difference Day program, and coinciding with National Volunteer Week in April, the town’s award will be featured with others at the USA Weekend website, as well as in The Arizona Republic.

Also, two people representing the town will be going to Washington D.C. to receive the award in May. Cost and travel for each representative is being paid by USA Weekend.

As part of Make a Difference Day, hundreds of volunteers gather in Fountain Hills to perform dozens of improvement projects for homeowners and other residents who cannot perform such tasks on their own.

Usually held in October, the national day involves hundreds of communities and organizations around the country performing community service in their locales.