National Make a Difference Day

4th Saturday of October

October 28, 2023

Make a Difference Day was created by “USA Weekend” magazine in 1992 to offer community support and encourage volunteerism across the country. Points of Light, a non-profit organization founded by former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, is the official co-sponsor of Make a Difference Day. Ever since its inception, Make a Difference Day has echoed in 30 countries and has inspired over 30 million volunteer hours.

National Make a Difference Day is the largest national day of community service in the United States and is all about making as much of a difference as you can in your local community. This extraordinary day aims to inspire people from all walks of life to step up, take action, and make a positive difference in their communities. This day encourages people to volunteer their time, money, and resources to make a difference in their community. There is no pressure to go above and beyond. Rather, the day encourages people to do as much as is within their reach to make a difference in the lives of the people, animals, and communities around them. There is no wrong way to volunteer and anything that will make a difference in someone else's life is the perfect way to contribute.

Whether through volunteering, organizing charitable projects, or engaging in acts of kindness, National Make a Difference Day encourages individuals to contribute their time, resources, and skills to address various social issues.

Making a difference can come in many forms so this day is wide open for participation!

Volunteer in your community or for an organization with merit.

Organize a Community Clean-Up

Give a neighbor a hand with seasonal chores.

Be a mentor. Help a youth or another professional to gain new skills.

Make a donation to a charity with meaning to you.

Say a kind word of support to someone who is struggling.

Put your skills to work. Sometimes our hobbies can bring joy to others in ways we least expect it.

Do what you can to make a difference and use #MakeADifferenceDay to spread the message on social media.

Community Events

Halloween trunk or treat events combine the fun and festivities of Halloween with the safety of a controlled environment. These events typically take place in parking lots, with car owners decorating their vehicle trunks, creating unique and themed displays. Participants then distribute candy or treats from their transformed trunks to children who go from car to car. Here are some ways that auto trunk or treat events promote safety:

Controlled Environment

Trunk or treat events provide a controlled and well-lit environment for children to go trick-or-treating. This helps to ensure their safety by minimizing risks associated with traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, such as wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods or encountering traffic hazards.

Visibility

Due to the well-lit conditions of trunk or treat events, it becomes easier for both drivers and pedestrians to see each other, promoting better visibility and reducing the chances of accidents or collisions. This is especially important at night when visibility can be limited.

Eliminating Road Hazards

By confining the event to a designated parking area, trunk or treat events eliminate many road hazards that children might face while trick-or-treating on residential streets. This includes concerns like uneven sidewalks, potholes, or unexpected obstacles that could pose a risk to their safety.

Pedestrian Safety

Trunk or treat events encourage parents and children to stay within the designated event area, allowing them to enjoy the festivities without having to cross busy streets. This reduces the risk of accidents involving pedestrians crossing roads with high traffic volumes.

Community Spirit

Auto trunk or treat events often involve a sense of community participation and provide an opportunity for neighbors to come together in a safe space. This communal aspect facilitates a safer environment since people tend to be more aware and concerned about one another's safety.

Local Events:

October 20, 2023

Belmont Drive-In: Casper and The Exorcist

October 21, 2023

Lake Norman's Slightly Haunted Trail Hike

6th Annual Mount Holly Lantern Parade

Fort Mill Fall Festival

October 27, 2023

BOOllantyne @ The Amp Ballentyne

October 28, 2023

Boo Ha-Ha Halloween Festival @ Fountain Park Rock Hill

Red White and Blood Drive: Car Show
(Halloween Event with Costume Contest and Trunk or Treat sponsored by Charlotte Fire Dept)

Touch-a-Truck at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

Fall Cruise-In and Trunk-or-Treat at Gibson Mill

Charlotte Monster Walk: 11th Street and N. Tryon Street

October 29, 2023

Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall Lighting: 2017 Greenway Avenue

Boo's & Boats - Trunk or Treat @ Papa Doc's Shore Club

October 31, 2023

Clover's Annual Food Truck & Treat

Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals 

Local Farms hosting Festivals/Pumpkin Patches

* Cotton Hills Farm  

The largest pumpkin farm in South Carolina is located in Chester near Rock Hill. 

* Clinton Sease Farm  

* Black's Peaches 

* Bush-N-Vine  

* Cherry Place Farm  

* Hall Family Farm 

* Hodges Family Farm 

* Carrigan Farms 

Scarrigan Farms 

* Millstone Creek Orchards 

* Patterson Farm 

* Shelby Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch 

* Wise Acres 

* Lineberger’s Maple Springs Farm 

* Country Days Corn Maze

Teen Driver Safety Week and School Bus Safety Week

The third week of October is set aside to officially recognize both National Teen Driver Safety & School Bus Safety. These initiatives draw attention to the unique challenges faced by young drivers and school bus transportation systems, offering key reminders and strategies to ensure a safe journey for everyone involved. This light reading article provides an overview of these campaigns and highlights their significance in promoting safe driving practices.

Teen Driver Safety Week:

Teen Driver Safety Week aims to raise awareness about the importance of minimizing risks for newly licensed teenage drivers. Held annually during the third week of October, this initiative serves as a reminder to young drivers and their families about the responsibility and caution required on the road. The campaign emphasizes key issues, such as distracted driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, and the dangers of alcohol and drug impairment. By providing educational programs, resources, and supportive guidance, Teen Driver Safety Week empowers teenagers to make informed decisions and develop safe driving habits from the start.

School Bus Safety Week:

School Bus Safety Week is observed during the third week of October and serves as a nationwide reminder to prioritize the safety and well-being of school children during their daily commute. The campaign brings attention to the challenges faced by both school bus drivers and students, highlighting the importance of mutual vigilance and careful practices. School Bus Safety Week encourages drivers to exercise caution near buses, obey traffic laws, and avoid distractions. Equally, it educates students on safe boarding, disembarking, and crossing procedures to minimize the risk of accidents and potential injuries.

Shared Goals and Tips:

Both Teen Driver Safety Week and School Bus Safety Week align in their overall goal of promoting safe driving habits and reducing traffic-related incidents. While their focus may differ, the underlying message revolves around educating, creating awareness, and implementing preventative measures to keep all road users safe.

- Distraction-free driving: Whether behind the wheel as a teen or an experienced driver near a school bus, it's crucial to avoid distractions such as cellphones or other electronic devices.

- Adherence to speed limits: Staying within the designated speed limits helps ensure adequate reaction time and reduces the impact of accidents.

- Responsible alcohol and drug usage: Remind teenagers about the dangers of driving under the influence and the consequences of impaired decision-making. Similarly, adult drivers should never operate a vehicle while impaired.

- Seatbelt usage: Encourage seatbelt use for all occupants of the vehicle. School buses also emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts where available.

- Stop for school buses: Motorists should always stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children, respecting the safety zones and stop-arm signals.

Teen Driver Safety Week and School Bus Safety Week provide essential platforms for promoting safe driving practices among young drivers and ensuring the well-being of students using school transportation. Through education, awareness, and adherence to road safety guidelines, we can collectively create a safer road environment for everyone. By actively participating in these campaigns and spreading their messages, we contribute to safeguarding our communities and protecting the lives of future generations.