Saturday, October 24 is National Make a Difference Day, the largest single day of volunteering in the country.

Good Samaritan Ministries would like to invite the Brown County community to make a difference in a big way for their friends and neighbors at risk of hunger.

“From 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, we will hold a literal food drive,” said Angelia Bostick, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Ministries. “We ask the community to drive by 305 Clark Street and hand us their donations of chicken noodle soup, saltine crackers, gently-used clothing, shoes and household items or they can even pass monetary donations through their window.”

Bostick said they are asking specifically for chicken noodle soup and crackers because they know that when you set specific goals, it gives the community something to reach for. And soup and crackers can be given out in the food pantry, the homeless boxes and in the boxes for the homebound.

“They are really versatile items that we can use in so many different areas,” Bostick said. “Of course, we will not turn down any food donation as it comes by.”

Bostick said there will also be volunteers on hand to accept donated items of clothing, shoes and small household items.

“So if you are planning on purging your closet before winter or getting rid of those small appliances that work but you do not have space for anymore, now is the perfect time to bring them by,” Bostick said.

In addition to the food and clothing drive, Good Samaritan Ministries is also providing a place to volunteer on that day. Any person or group who would like to volunteer, may do so by calling 643-2273 or 325-203-2489.

“We will have opportunities on that day from 8 a.m. to noon for volunteers to receive donations, sort and hang clothing and inspect, clean and sort food items,” Bostick said. “We cannot do what we do without our volunteers and we are always looking for ways to include those who have never had an opportunity to partner with this local mission.”

National Make a Difference Day will be held from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, October 24 at Good Samaritan Ministries. Please call ahead of time to schedule your volunteer spot and begin now collecting chicken noodle soup and saltine crackers for the drive by food drive at 305 Clark Street.