Make a Difference Month: Your Chance to Have a Lasting Impact on Your Community

Written By: Andreas Fields
Posted on October 9, 2020

GVSU Makes a Difference

Make a Difference Day is an annual GVSU tradition that encourages students to come together and give back to their communities. This year, Make a Difference Day looks a little different. Introducing Make a Difference Month, a series of safe in-person and virtual service opportunities happening throughout October! Here are just some of the ways you can give back and make a difference this month.

#GVSUMakesADifference

Student decorating a paper lunch bag with crayons

Kids' Food Basket logo

#1: Kids' Food Basket

Kids’ Food Basket is a nonprofit that delivers healthy lunches to kids all over West Michigan, and Grand Valley is offering you the opportunity to bring some excitement to a child's lunch. Pick up one (or 100!) paper bags to design and decorate with different encouraging sayings and messages.

Kids' Food Basket

Woman picking tomatoes in a greenhouse

#2: Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP)

If you have an interest in gardening and sustainability, this might be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. The SAP is located just around the corner from GVSU’s Allendale campus, and there are both in-person and remote volunteer opportunities available.

Sustainable Agriculture Project

GVSU student talking to elementary age students

#3: Mentor with GVSU Charter Schools

Grand Valley authorizes 78 charter schools throughout Michigan, with many of them in the Grand Rapids area. Become a mentor and a role model for local kids grades K-12!

Mentor with GVSU Charter Schools

Project Pen Pals

#4: Project Pen Pals

Connect with alumni, ask questions, and develop new relationships. This is a great way to grow with members of the Laker community and learn more about life post-college.

Project Pen Pals

Live United - United Way - Heart of West Michigan United Way

#5: The Heart of West Michigan United Way

The Covid-19 pandemic has created many different hardships and challenges for people all over West Michigan. Use this website to find local and virtual volunteer opportunities to help those who have been affected. You could get the chance to write thank you letters for essential workers, donate supplies, help raise money, and more.

The Heart of West Michigan United Way

Make a Difference Month is a great opportunity to give back to the Grand Valley community and beyond. This is your chance to find out more about working the Crisis Text Hotline, helping  your friends register to vote, becoming a digital volunteer for the Smithsonian, and so much more.

If you would like more information about service and volunteering, be sure to check out the Community Service Learning Center volunteer opportunities or the Make a Difference Month page.



Page last modified October 20, 2020