Each year, millions of people join together on the fourth Saturday in October to participate in Make a Difference Day. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make a Difference Day is the largest national day of helping others. Last year, more than 3 million people came together on that day to help an estimated 30 million people improving their communities.
This year Make a Difference Day will be held Saturday, October 23, and encourages everyone to take action and offer help to someone in need. Americans are people of action, especially when it comes to helping others. A recent WE TV-USA WEEKEND online poll showed that nearly three-quarters say they would rather invest their time and energy in a cause than simply write a check.
Although Make a Difference Day is centered around one day of the year, volunteers are needed almost everyday and everywhere. If you cannot make a difference today, there is nothing that stops you from making a difference any other day of the year.
Volunteers founded Hubbard House 34 years ago, and the agency continues to depend heavily on the generous gifts of time from many deeply loyal volunteers. Hubbard House thrives because volunteers serve in all Hubbard House programs; some provide help on a regular basis while others work on special projects as the need arises.
Within the last year, Hubbard House provided shelter and outreach services to over 6,200 clients. Hubbard House relies on the continued support of the community to serve victims of domestic violence and their families. The support of the community also helps to prevent future abuse.
Hubbard House’s volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and include women, men, and teens above the age of 16. There are no minimum work or educational requirements to volunteer. All you need is the capacity to care and a willingness to help.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House domestic violence hotline at (904) 354-3114 or (800) 500-1119.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE
Founded in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 5,000 women, children and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic child care, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.
By Vicky Krook