History and Mission

In communities in Douglas County, Oregon (initially in Roseburg and surrounding areas), an annual observance of Make a Difference Day was inaugurated on 22 October 2022. This local involvement was initiated by several community service organizations coming together with a vision of promoting volunteerism – which powerfully stimulates community civility, kindness, caring and respect, as well as instills personal fulfillment and pride in community.

A group of some 20 community service leaders and other service-minded individuals became the Make a Difference Day – Douglas County Planning Committee. The committee developed a Mission Statement: “Make a Difference Day -Douglas County’s mission statement is to build support and opportunity for volunteers throughout Douglas County, strengthening our community and making Douglas County a healthier and safer place to live, work and play.”

The planning committee put in 225 hours of planning, recruited 12 volunteer-led projects and 247 volunteers for the inaugural 22 Oct 2022 event in Douglas County. Volunteers provided 928 hours of community service in a 4-hour span of time. The Douglas County Commissioners presented the committee and community a Proclamation: Make a Difference Day Douglas County on 19 October 2022.

The vision of the planning committee includes a gradual expansion of a culture of volunteerism throughout more and more municipalities and communities in Douglas County as the Make a Difference Day event proliferates through the years.