The Hilton School District and several community agencies recently joined together to sponsor the Ninth Annual Make a Difference Day. The largest national day of helping others through volunteerism, Make a Difference Day is always held the fourth Saturday in October.
Over 100 volunteers were involved in projects throughout the community, including: sorting and collecting food for Hilton-Parma Emergency Food Shelf; visiting and doing activities with residents at Hilton East; making flowers for chemotherapy patients; collecting gently used coats, hats and mittens; sponsoring a blood drive; helping with the Hilton-Parma Recreation Halloween festivities; and installing a Little Free Library at Parma Town Hall.
The events were held in conjunction with open houses at the Hilton Fire Department and Hilton School District Transportation Department. Make a Difference Day usually includes several outdoor projects as well, but the heavy rain called for cancellation.
“Regardless of outdoor events being cancelled, our Halloween Event with the Open Houses truly made a difference to our community,” said Tom Venniro, Parma Parks and Recreation director. “We estimate that around 500 people passed through the event to enjoy exercise walking from location to location; fun activities, including face painting, games, magic and more; safety demonstrations; and plenty of free food.”
Food was donated by Hilton-Parma Recreation, Caraglio’s, Tops Friendly Markets, Hilton-Parma Emergency Food Shelf and Hilton Lions Club.
“So many community members and groups coming together this way is rare and a testament to what this community is about,” said Venniro.
Volunteers gathered in the cafeteria at Hilton High School both before and after volunteering where they enjoyed breakfast and lunch donated by the Latta Road Wegmans store.
To see more photos, visit www.hilton.k12.ny.us.
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