Menasha, WI — Volunteer Fox Cities is thrilled to launch Make A Difference Week from Monday, October 20 through Saturday, October 25, 2025, culminating with the annual Make A Difference Day on October 25. Make A Difference Day, celebrated on the fourth Saturday of October, was started in 1992 by USA Weekend magazine and the nonprofit organization Points of Light.
Sponsored by Miron Construction and organized by Volunteer Fox Cities, this weeklong initiative brings together individuals, families, community groups, and corporate teams to participate in volunteer projects and acts of kindness throughout the Fox Valley.
Rooted in Volunteer Fox Cities’ mission to create meaningful volunteer connections, the week celebrates the power of service to inspire, unite, and strengthen the community. Whether community members have an hour, a day, or the entire week to give back, every action—big or small—helps build connections, uplift others, and make a lasting impact.
“Make A Difference Week is a powerful reminder that every act of kindness can create a ripple effect of hope and connection. When we come together to serve, we not only strengthen our community, we inspire one another to keep showing up, again and again, for the people and places we care about.” – Carolyn Desrosiers, CEO of Volunteer Fox Cities
How to Get Involved
During Make A Difference Week, community members are encouraged to:
- Volunteer with local organizations – Explore opportunities and sign up on Volunteer Fox Cities’ Get Connected platform.
- Support causes you care about – From donating food or supplies to contributing financially to meaningful organizations, every effort counts.
- Spread kindness in your own way – Small gestures make a big difference, whether it’s picking up litter, raking leaves for a neighbor, assembling hygiene kits for those in need, or buying coffee for someone in line.
Weeklong Activities and Highlights
- Monday, October 20 from 12:00-1:00 PM – Miron Construction team members will kick off the week by assembling Giggle Kits for Catalpa Health, marking the official start of Make A Difference Week.
“An important element of therapy is sharing tools and techniques that kids can use not only during therapy sessions, but in home or school settings when big feelings and challenging emotions come up. When kids have access to things like fidgets, journals, and other therapy tools packed in these kits, they can practice coping strategies in the moment they need them.” – Scott Radtke, Chief Clinical Officer, Catalpa Health
- Wednesday, October 22 – Volunteer Fox Cities will be featured on Focus Fox Valley from 12:40–1:00 PM with host Hayley Tenpas, discussing the importance of volunteering and highlighting Sam Vosters, a Volunteer Fox Cities board member, community volunteer, and 2025 Fox Cities Future 15 Award Recipient.
- Throughout the week – Volunteer Fox Cities will feature a “Difference-Maker of the Day” on social media, celebrating volunteers making an impact on the community.
- Saturday, October 25 – The YMCA of the Fox Cities Freaky 5K Run will need volunteers to help ensure a successful event. Sign up today to participate!
Community members are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #MakeADifferenceWeek, #VolunteerFoxCities, #GiveBackFoxValley, and #VolunteerTogether, and by tagging @VolunteerFoxCities to see how others are making a difference.
For more information about Make A Difference Week, including volunteer opportunities and daily kindness challenges, visit www.volunteerfoxcities.org/makeadifferenceweek.
Media Contact
Carolyn Desrosiers
CEO, Volunteer Fox Cities
Carolyn@volunteerfoxcities.org | 920-832-9360