NSU students can participate in Make a Difference Day of Service at locations around Broward County on Oct. 24.
Make a Difference Day is the largest community service day in the U.S., with over three million participants each year, according to the event’s website. It was started in 1992 by USA WEEKEND magazine and takes place annually on the fourth Saturday in October.
Students participating in this year’s event will sort clothing at the Broward Outreach Centers in Pompano Beach and Hollywood and work at urban farming at the Northwest Gardens PATCH (People’s Access to Community Horticulture) in Fort Lauderdale, among other projects that have not yet been determined.
Camilo Yibirin is the assistant director of the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, which organizes Make a Difference Day at NSU each year. He said that Make a Difference Day of Service is a great way for students to engage with each other, as well as serve the local community.
“Once students engage through the university, they meet people, they find something in common to do with other people, and they get to know the community where they’re living,” he said.
Ujala Ahmed, junior finance major, has participated in Make a Difference Day of Service at NSU in the past.
“I really like that I can see the impact that we make over time,” she said. “I like the physical labor that comes with that kind of service.”
Ahmed went to the Northwest Gardens PATCH as part of the event.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “You can really see the difference you’re making. It helps the local community, and you can see the impact. It’s a unique experience.”
Yibirin also said Make a Difference Day is an opportunity for students who need community service hours to meet the requirements of campus organizations.
Students will meet at 8:15 a.m. at the entrance of the Don Taft University Center by the shark fountain. Students are required to wear closed-toed shoes and clothing that they are able to work in. Transportation will be provided to the various service projects. The event will end at 2:00 p.m., and lunch will be provided on campus.
Make a Difference Day is only open to NSU students. To sign up online, visit orgsync.com/45785/forms/163173, however, registration is not necessary. For more information, contact the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement at 954-262-7195 or slce@nova.edu.
