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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2007

Department of Aging Challenges Senior Groups to Make a Difference
"Make A Difference Day" is Saturday, October 27

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging joins with the Ohio Community Service Council (OCSC) to engage senior centers and other senior groups to plan volunteer activities in their communities for Make a Difference Day Ohio, Saturday, October 27, 2007.

This year marks the 17th national observance of "Make a Difference Day," sponsored by USA WEEKEND magazine and the Points of Light Foundation. It is the eighth year that Ohio has promoted the event statewide, and the state has consistently led the nation in the total number of service projects on that day.

"We are asking senior centers, church groups, bowling leagues, red hat societies, book clubs - basically any group of like-minded individuals that can - to make a difference in their communities." said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "Each year, older Ohioans donate more than 350,000 hours of their time and immeasurable talent and experience through national, state and local volunteer programs. Imagine the difference they can make in one focused day."

To get involved in Make a Difference Day in Ohio, OCSC recommends the following steps:

• Identify a need in your community.
• Plan a project for your members, your family and friends or others.
• Register your projects on www.serveohio.org so that volunteers and local media can find it.
• Report your accomplishments to be considered for state or national recognition and awards.

If you are age 60 or older, or just want to support these efforts, contact your local senior center and ask them what they are doing for Make a Difference Day. A list of centers is online at www.goldenbuckeye.com/about/seniorcenters.html. For information about volunteer opportunities year-round, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com/families/volunteer.html.

Find more information about Make a Difference Day Ohio at www.serveohio.org, or call 1-888-767-6446.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.