Northwood Elementary School students (front to back) Azaliya Odarchuk, Dina Svarishchuk, Liliya Odarchuk, Alyssa Almekinder, and Emily Helfer push wheelbarrows full of mulch to spread along the walking trails at Braddock Bay Park as part of the Make a Difference Day volunteer activities throughout the community. The Hilton School District and many community agencies joined together to sponsor the Fifth 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.
“In Hilton, it’s a partnership between businesses, the school district, and the community,” said Chairman George Kauffman, who started the event in Hilton. “Everyone looks forward to it – now it’s almost like a reunion.” Over the years, the event has grown to not only include high school students, but students at all grade levels. The first year, 60 students and 10 adults were involved. This year, 300 students and 30 adults volunteered.
Hilton students were involved in projects throughout the community, including: collecting non-hazardous metals and electronics for recycling; taking bicycle donations for needy children and adults; holding a food drive for the Hilton Food Shelf; volunteering at a blood drive at Hilton High School; beautifying the school grounds and Braddock’s Bay Park; and visiting residents at Hilton East.
“Young children gain a sense of respect for their community because they are really giving back,” said Lisa Coase, a 12th grader who spent the morning painting pumpkins and playing games at Hilton East. “And it makes up feel good about ourselves.”
Volunteers gathered in the cafeteria at Hilton High School both before and after volunteering. There they enjoyed breakfast and lunch donated by the Latta Road Weg-mans store. “Wegmans strives to make a difference in every community we serve and Hilton is served by the Latta Road store,” said Linda Lovejoy, Community Relations manager.
“Quite often as a school district and around New York State, there is quite a bit of focus on career and college readiness for students,” said Superintendent David Dimbleby. “I would add that another essential element is the development of students as good citizens, good neighbors, and good members of the community. This event provides that opportunity.”
