From cleaning train windows to creating holiday ornaments, more than 800 student volunteers from The University of Akron are expected to participate in the 11th annual “Make a Difference Day” on Saturday, Oct. 24.

“Make a Difference Day” is a day dedicated to giving back to the community and celebrated across the country on the last Saturday of October.  UA’s program is one of the largest university-based in the nation.

Students will be doing work such as landscaping, repairing homes, painting, animal care, cleaning, for 40 nonprofit organizations at approximately 50 sites.

Student organizations, like the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), are getting involved with “Make a Difference Day.”

Keirsten Heckel, president of the Akron chapter PRSSA, is attending along with 12 other members.

“It is our job as a student organization to volunteer and give back to our community,” Heckel said. “I hope myself and the other students attending from my organization will really feel like they made a difference and feel accomplished that they were able to help someone out.”

“Make a Difference Day” started eight years ago at UA.  It has since dedicated more than 16,000 hours of service with more than 4,000 students, faculty, and community members participants.

According to the Make a Difference website, “Make a Difference Day,” is a USA TODAY initiative backed by the Gannett Company, Points of Lights, and Newman’s own. Newman’s Own will award $10,000 to the charities of each of the 10 National Honorees and three Community Awardees.

It is the nation’s largest day of community service for more than 20 years.

Registration is currently closed. To learn more about how to make a difference visit, www.makeadifferenceday.com.