Washington, D.C., - From cleaning parks and collecting food to painting murals and helping hurricane survivors move back into their homes, national service volunteers from around the country will take part in the 15th Annual “Make a Difference Day” on October 22, 2005.

Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that engages millions of Americans in service projects. Volunteers from Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America are taking part and leading a variety of community service projects across the country:

• In Washington D.C., members of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps will kick off their year of service by joining community volunteers in a massive clean up of Anacostia’s Watts Branch Park. More than 400 people are expected to participate.  In addition, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle will address the volunteers and participate in the service project.

• In St. Louis, volunteers from AmeriCorps, Citigroup, Rebuilding Together, and other organizations will complete home repair on three houses owned by low-income residents.

• RSVP Volunteers in Jackson, OH will collaborate with Bloomfield All-Stars, Oasis Therapeutic Foster Care Agency, and Hall House to clean-up fall foliage and debris in the yards of senior citizens who need assistance.

• In Nashville, more than 200 AmeriCorps members from across Tennessee will rejuvenate the Bordeaux community with projects including trash pickup, community garden cleanup, trail work on greenways and interior work at a local school.

• Corporation for National and Community Service CEO David Eisner will serve with AmeriCorps members to rehabilitate apartments for hurricane evacuees in Baton Rouge, La.

"Through Make A Difference Day, millions of men, women and young people across the country will be answering President Bush's Call to Service by dedicating their time to meeting important community needs,” said Eisner. “Whether it’s responding to a massive hurricane or giving a neighbor a helping hand, volunteers are the backbone of support for people and communities in need, and we’re proud to participate in this massive day of service.”

To learn more about the many projects going on around the country visit www.usaweekend.com. The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.

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