Volunteers and projects to keep them busy for one Saturday morning in late October – that’s what Make a Difference Day is all about.

Across the nation, millions of Americans are clearing their calendars for this special day Saturday, Oct. 26.

It’s one day that changes the world. More than three million people help 20 million others on this annual day of volunteerism.

The Town of Fountain Hills is coordinating its fifth annual Make a Difference Day and is in need teams of volunteers from throughout the community to come together for this big day of helping others.

Businesses, clubs and organizations, churches and the community at-large are welcome to join in.

“It’s a time when we can put our own needs on hold for the morning in order to really make a difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Heather Ware, the town’s volunteer coordinator.

“We have people needing lots of help maintaining their yards to keep them in compliance with their HOA and the town, safety issues that will require some minor repairs and adjustments, painting, cleaning in areas that can no longer be reached safely, ceilings patched, screens and windows cleaned, floors and carpeting cleaned and many more projects!

“Volunteers will be helping those residents in town who are among the most vulnerable- elderly, homebound, limited health and finances and alone- they are so grateful for any assistance given and understand the meaning of neighbor helping neighbor.”

The biggest need at this time is securing additional volunteers to help out on that morning.

This is a great opportunity to strengthen ties in the community as well as addressing needs that exist.

Projects will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Oct 26, with everyone meeting at Golden Eagle Park at 7:30 for their worksite assignment and tools, coffee, breakfast pastries and fruit.

Ware and her citizen committee are seeking assistance from residents to come out and show that “Fountain Hills is the small town with a big heart!”

Work projects include raking and cleaning up landscaping debris, building a wheelchair ramp for a homebound resident, small minor repairs, planting groundcover, painting, tile cleaning, repairing leaks and more.

If you are limited by health, isolation due to transportation or unable to keep up with minor repairs around your home, contact Ware at hware@fh.az.gov or 480-816-5108, Town Hall. Projects are still being accepted.

Those who would like to volunteer to “Make a Difference Day” can do so at the town website, www.fh.az.gov/madd – registration online is very simple.

Registration forms can also be found at the Community Center and Town Hall kiosks.