Be a part of Make a Difference Day

Last year, three million people accomplished thousands of goodwill projects in hundreds of towns across America on Make a Difference Day.

Make a Difference Day, starting at 9 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 22, is an annual, nationwide celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.

This year, volunteers will come together to help restore and enhance the natural habitats of birds and animals at Headwaters Corner in Calabasas and Malibu Creek State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The Mountains Restoration Trust invites all individuals, families and groups to help at either location. Volunteers might collect truckloads of clothing for the homeless, or could spend the afternoon helping an elderly neighbor or relative.

Make a Difference Day projects will be eligible for an award from actor Paul Newman, who donates after-tax profits from sales of his commercial products to educational and charitable purposes. He plans to donate $10,000 to each of 10 selected projects this year.

Volunteers will need drinking water and gloves, and registration is required.

Habitat restoration volunteers will receive credit for community service hours.

To register for Make a Difference Day or for more information about the event, please call (818) 591-1701, extension 186. Go to www.makeadifferenceday.com for more information.

—Michael Picarella