make a difference

 

whaleWhen we travel, many of us look for ways to make a difference in the communities we’re visiting, whether that’s delivering books to children in need, volunteering to clean up a shoreline, or help rehab a stranded whale, like my friends and I did a few years ago at the Marine Mammal Conservancy in Key Largo.

Did you know that there’s an entire day dedicated to making a difference, aptly named Make a Difference Day? Well, there is – and it’s this Saturday, Oct. 26! USA Weekend Magazine and Points of Light have joined together to sponsor Make a Difference Day, the largest national day of community service in the U.S.

There are plenty of ways you can get involved, whether traveling or closer to the home. Search for a project in the area in which you’ll be in the U.S., choose one and get out there – make a difference!  

elephantsIf traveling abroad, there’s no reason you can’t participate as well! Or, plan a trip to specifically help a community in need. There are several organizations that organize just such trips, including Elevate Destinations. Whether you want to volunteer with elephants in Namibia, or assist communities in need in Cambodia or South Africa, or pretty much anything in between, you can find the right trip for you. Check out Elevate’s website for more info.

How have you made a difference when traveling?