OU expands role in annual Make a Difference Day on Oct. 26

This year, Oakland University will expand it’s participation in the 23rd annual Make a Difference Day (MADD), the largest national day of service, on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Organizers are referring to this year’s event as “Mega Make a Difference Days,” because of the growing list of participants and volunteer sites and the additional service opportunities scheduled throughout the weekend. 

“Participating in MADD helps the communities that have helped all of us,” said Emily DeLano, coordinator of leadership and service-learning programs. “Service benefits both the community and the individual. There’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved.” 

Now in its tenth year of participation with MADD, OU will reach out to also include alumni and students and staff at Oakland Community College (OCC). 

OU students, faculty, staff, alumni and OCC students and staff are encouraged to participate. Current students and staff may register for the Saturday day shift through Grizz Orgs here, and OU alumni and OCC students and staff can register with this form. 

Student organizations are encouraged to volunteer as groups, but members must register individually. Volunteers should bring work gloves and a water bottle and wear weather-appropriate work clothing. Lunch will be provided at the volunteer site.

For the day shift on Saturday, volunteers should meet in the Fireside Lounge, located in the Oakland Center, at 8 a.m. for registration where they will be given their site assignments. Volunteers will drive or car-pool to their locations. 

When registering, volunteers may indicate a preferred site. Participants will work at a variety of nonprofit organizations, including Greening of Detroit, the Oakland County Farmer’s Market, the OU Student Organic Farm, Gleaners Food Bank, and Affirmations. 

Registration for the HAVEN and Habitat for Humanity sites are already full. 

Other weekend volunteer options include: 

• Friday, Oct. 25, from 3 – 5 p.m. 

The Golden Key International Honor Society will sponsor a Rake and Run volunteer opportunity, in which participants will help senior citizens in the Auburn Hills area by raking their leaves. Volunteers should register through Grizz Orgs and meet in Hamlin Circle. 

• Friday, Oct. 25, from 4 – 9 p.m. 

Volunteers are invited to pass out Halloween candy to children at the YMC of Auburn Hills. Contact Corney Scott at cjscott@oakland.edu for more information or to register. 

• Saturday, Oct. 26 from 6 – 9 p.m. 

Volunteers are invited to provide event support for the OUCARES 2013 Film Premiere, hosted at the Oakland Center. Contact Cortney Scott at cjscott@oakland.edu for more information or to register. 

• Sunday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

The Jewish Student Organization will volunteer at Yad Ezra, a kosher food pantry in Berkley. For more information, contact Brett at hillel@oakland.edu. 

For additional volunteer and community service opportunities throughout the year at Oakland University, visit the Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development’s website at oakland.edu/volunteer.

Contact Emily DeLano at (248) 370-4334 or delano@oakland.edu with any questions regarding this year’s Make A Difference Day activities.

Oakland University is a vibrant academic community with more than 20,000 students and more than 260 degree and certificate programs. To learn more about academics, achievements, and events at OU, visit the news site at oakland.edu/newsatou and follow the news team on Twitter at @OaklandU_News.