University of Northern Iowa students will have the chance to get their hands dirty and “make a difference” in the Cedar Valley through volunteer work Oct. 26.

Make a Difference Day is the largest national day of service, and millions of volunteers participate in large service projects across the world, according to the day’s official website.

“(Make a Difference Day) gives students a chance to connect with the Cedar Valley community,” said KaLeigh White, chair of the Service and Leadership Council of the Student Involvement Center. “The community does a lot for the students, and it’s nice to give back to it.”
White said the program was started five years ago by the leadership council, because there was a student demand for more volunteer opportunities.

“Students love being outside and have a spirit here to give back, and we are fortunate to provide them an opportunity for that,” said Steffoni Schmidt, program coordinator of Community Service and Greek Life at the Student Involvement Center.

Schmidt said students will be sent to Aspire Therapeutic Riding Program and different parks that are under the Black Hawk County Conservation Board. At Aspire, a horseback riding center for children with disabilities, teens with behavioral problems and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, students will do farm work and help out in the horse barns.

For the parks, projects will be announced upon arrival, though Schmidt said past projects included cleaning river beds and campgrounds.

“Seeing UNI students off campus getting hands dirty and really contributing shows how great the campus is,” said Schmidt. “And it’s important for the community to see that.”
The center wants to reach this year’s goal of 140 volunteers for Make A Difference Day. White said she wants to see people volunteer, have a good time and enjoy what they are doing on Saturday morning.

“One person can make a difference,” said White.