Douglas County Recognizes Volunteers Ahead of October 24 Make a Difference Day

ROSEBURG, Ore. - More than 300 volunteers are needed for community projects across Douglas County on October 24, when the county holds its fifth annual Make a Difference Day.

Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman recognized the upcoming event during their October 14 weekly business meeting, proclaiming October as Community Service Month and October 24 as Make a Difference Day.

The local campaign connects volunteers with projects organized by nonprofit organizations, businesses, faith-based groups, and other community partners. Organizers have secured 15 project sites for this year’s event and are continuing to recruit volunteers.

“Our proclamation celebrates the individuals, families, businesses, schools, civic organizations, and community groups who give their time and talents to help others,” Kress said. “Their volunteer efforts strengthen our communities, support our neighbors, and remind us that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.”

Boice presented the proclamation on behalf of the board and distributed certificates to committee members, volunteers, service organizations, and project representatives attending the meeting.

He credited Tim Juett and other community members with helping establish the local effort several years ago. Their goal was to recognize volunteer work already taking place while connecting people willing to serve with projects needing assistance.

“They recognized that we have a fair amount of that activity going on already and wanted to organize a way to recognize those efforts but also to match the volunteer spirit with projects in the community that needed to be done,” Boice said.

Make a Difference Day is observed nationally on the fourth Saturday of October. In Douglas County, the planning committee includes representatives from the Roseburg School District, UCAN, Thrive Umpqua, Sunrise Enterprises, Kiwanis of Roseburg, Greater Douglas United Way, the Salvation Army, and JustServe, along with community members.

Committee Chair Jerry Medler said residents do not have to make a large time commitment to contribute.

“Make a Difference Day Douglas County is about helping the community to be a better place to live, through working together as citizens,” Medler said. “We appreciate everybody that helps - all organizations and all the people that come out and help. It does make a difference even if you only donate three hours of your time.”

Among those recognized was Dee Jay, representing Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Umpqua Valley. Speaking on behalf of the organization and Lowe’s, Dee Jay described efforts to provide beds for children who otherwise sleep on floors, couches, or blankets.

“When we deliver a bed, we aren’t just delivering wood and a mattress, we are delivering hope, security and a message to that child that their community cares about them,” Dee Jay said.

Dee Jay said the recognition marked a milestone for the organization, but its work would continue as long as children in the community need beds.

Residents can learn about available projects and sign up to volunteer at makeadifferenceday.org. Additional information is available by calling 541-492-3523 or emailing info@makeadifferenceday.org.