Friday, Oct. 24, 2003 | 9:45 a.m.
USA WEEKEND Magazine's 13th annual Make A Difference Day is Saturday, and many locals are showing their support by volunteering for events around the city.
Make A Difference Day is a nationwide event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. The day is dedicated to helping others and a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.
Local philanthropist Mary Vail has been contributing to the event for the past six years by organizing a benefit for the Las Vegas Chapter Salvation Army Food Bank.
This year, local celebrities John Daly, Napoleon McCallum, the Las Vegas Gladiators, KVVU Channel 5 reporter Heidi Hays and Channel 5 forecaster Ted Pretty will join local businesses to host a food drive at Smith's Food and Drug at 2211 N. Rampart Blvd. in Summerlin.
"We'll have celebrities there at different times of the day helping out and greeting people," Vail said. "People are welcome to donate individual cans or sponsor food boxes for $30."
As part of the food drive the community is asked to donate nonperishable foods and personal hygiene items to replenish the dwindling supplies in the food bank, Vail said. The Salvation Army provides thousands of food boxes to needy families every month.
Vail said that a $30 donation will buy a basic food box, which is enough to feed a family for one week.
"What you see in the box is the food needs that people need to maintain to stay healthy," she said. "We're talking about feeding whole families."
The food drive will be located directly inside Smith's Food and Drug.
Vail said most shoppers end up buying and donating more than one can. Others who do not have time to shop can donate money. At the end of the drive, the volunteers use the money to purchase as many canned goods as they can.
Vail added that in addition to providing a venue to set up the food drive, Smith's has also donated $500.
"Everyone is being so helpful in this food drive," Vail said. "We even have a Girl Scout troop coming out as a part of earning a merit badge. Every Girl Scout in the troop is going to bring a can each."
On the other side of town, the VFW Post 10047 and Auxiliary is holding a Make A Difference Day fair at 4337 Las Vegas Blvd. North, near Craig Road.
The fair starts at 9 a.m. and will feature many activities for children and families to enjoy, said Phyllis Rosenthal, Auxiliary treasurer and publicity chairwoman. Fingerprinting for all ages will also be provided to anyone interested.
Rosenthal said that fingerprinting is a very important precaution for parents to take for their children.
"It's an important way for parents to identify their children in case of an emergency," she said.
Other events include light and bike safety, craft booths, bake sales, face painting and raffles. Proceeds from the benefit will go toward several organizations including the Cancer Society, Home For National Home, which houses children from military families or from families who have passed away, and scholarships for area youths.
"It's just so great to make a difference in everybody's life and to give back to the community in appreciation for everybody's efforts," Rosenthal said.
These are only two of the many volunteer acts taking place on Saturday to celebrate Make A Difference Day. Hundreds of locals throughout the city will take part of different charitable events to make a difference in the lives of their community.
Here is a look at some of the events taking place this weekend.
To view all events or to volunteer, go to the official website at www.makeadifference.com and search by state.
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