"Be the change you wish to see in the world" –Mahatma Gandhi

This quote from Gandhi epitomizes the power of the individual to make a difference. If we all did something to help someone else the potential of a better quality of life for everyone would be immeasurable. What better way is there to change lives and create a better sense of community than to reach out of your own personal space and help someone else?

Saturday, October 22 will be the 19th annual "Make a Difference Day." Created by USA Weekend magazine in 1992 to encourage neighbors to help their neighbors, this national day is partnered with HandsOn Network to promote altruism in its most simple and honest form. National "Make a Difference day" is hoping to create waves of change. Last year over 3 million volunteers helped the less fortunate. You can help make a difference too, with something as small as being aware that there are those out there who need your help, your shoulder and your time.

Although there are an infinite number of ways to make a difference, below are a few suggestions of how to make a difference everyday but especially on October 22, 2011.

On a small scale:
-Check in on an elderly neighbor, make sure their quality of life is up to standards.
-Call your mom, you know she's left 15 messages and you haven't returned a single one.
-Next time you're out help someone by opening the door for them.
-Offer the pregnant lady your seat on the bus, her back and aching feet will appreciate it.
-Rake leaves, mow the lawn, shovel snow, clean windows or gutters for a neighbor.
-Make your sick or bereaving or pregnant friend a dinner or two.
-Clean your local playground
-Walk your neighbors dog

On a larger scale:
-Become a big sister/big brother
-Volunteer at your regional volunteering agency. There they will have compiled lists of all of the companies and organizations that need your help.
-Adopt a pet from your local pound
-Visit the elderly at a nursing home. You can read them a book or hone your magic routine.
-Pack or hand out food at your local food bank
-Tutor a child
-Write a note to a teacher that had a positive effect on you.
-Create a community garden
-Volunteer at a local community cleanup day

On a global scale:
-Be earth friendly and Be Green
-Teach your children to be earth friendly and Green
-Get regular smog checks on your vehicles
-Sponsor a child in an under developed country
-Forgo the usual birthday gifts for donations to raise funds for an organization that helps global needs, such as www.care.org instead. Care.org supports women and girls in developing countries.

To contact a regional volunteer agency near you, please log on to:
Volunteer Center of Los Angeles
OCgov.com
HandsOn Inland Empire

As a former social worker for adults with developmental disabilities in Orange County, Desiree Eaglin has dedicated her life to making a difference each and every day. She hopes to inspire a love and mutual respect for all people within her children. Desiree blogs at Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest.