Spread the Laker Effect on October 27. Join a legion of Lakers in working with several local nonprofit agencies right here in West Michigan.

On that day, GVSU’s Community Service Learning Center will be participating in Make a Difference Day, a national day of service now in its 26th year where people from around the country take the initiative and volunteer. Join 350+ Lakers in helping local, nonprofit agencies throughout the Grand Rapids and Allendale area.

I know what you’re thinking, you can’t possibly make a commitment, you don’t have time. The best part about Make a Difference Day is that it is one day; you show up, get a free t-shirt, free lunch, and free transportation that will take you where you need to be to serve a community partner.

It may seem intimidating, but take it from past participant, Natalie Loewengruber: “...I enjoyed the experience overall of coming together with eight strangers, and I felt like I left with eight friends.”

You go in, get lunch, a t-shirt, learn about the community around you, and even make a few new friends - that’s a win-win-win. Students from Grand Valley have been participating in Make a Difference Day for over 15 years, and this year is your opportunity to spread the Laker Effect to the local community.

Ready to get started? Check out the Community Service Learning Center’s Make a Difference Day webpage. Make sure to register before October 23 or you may not be able to participate!

If you are looking for more ways to volunteer be sure to check the rest of the CSLC website for plenty of other volunteer opportunities or email them at [email protected].