citi logo
My Account
PERSPECTIVES

Citi partners with HandsOn Network to Make A Difference.

October 15, 2010
Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light

For 20 years, HandsOn Network, the largest volunteer mobilizer in the nation, and USA Weekend magazine have partnered to sponsor Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of community service with 3 million people participating. This effort has grown over the years to become a day that involves young and old, families, and people from every walk of life, in cities and communities large and small. Over these past two decades, millions of volunteers have served, and they have touched the lives of millions more. In the process, those serving have, themselves, found their own lives changed and transformed.

One of my favorite heroes of Make A Difference Day is Leola Dillard, a 97-year-old retired teacher who, in 1997, conducted her first yard "sale," giving away clothing. For the last 12 years, with the help of her seven children, she and local churches and individuals have given away food, appliances, household goods, and clothing on Make A Difference Day. Another favorite is Lucas Metropulos, a teenager in coastal Florida who began a weekly fishing class for 8-11-year-olds, culminating on Make A Difference Day last year with a trip on a 70-foot charter fishing boat and crew that he managed to get donated.

This year, we are thrilled that Citi is joining us as a sponsor and aligning its fifth annual Global Community Day with Make A Difference Day across the country on Saturday, October 23. Around the world, Citi will engage an extraordinary 45,000 of its employees who will volunteer in 945 projects across 77 countries.

Some examples: Citi is sponsoring the North Texas Volunteer Challenge, which will bring together individuals, youth, families, employees, and groups to volunteer with nonprofit organizations in three counties. With our affiliate Volunteer Center of North Texas, 100 Citi volunteers will restore the Jubilee Park and Community Center in Dallas. With Volunteer Broward, 100 employees will build gardens, paint classrooms, and landscape the Lauderhill Community YMCA and middle school in Florida. With New York Cares and Chicago Cares, employees will refurbish schools. In addition, Citibank branches will hold food drives and individual offices will complete their own projects.

Citi is at the forefront of corporate engagement -- leading the way in giving back to communities year-round and affirming its commitment to be a global force for good. Global Community Day celebrates the power and compassion of Citi employees. By lending their hands and hearts, these service leaders from Citi will significantly expand the impact of this extraordinary day of service and demonstrate the power of joining together to create change. It's increasingly clear that we cannot meet the pressing challenges we face nationally and globally without the committed volunteer efforts of companies and individuals. We welcome Citi to the Make A Difference Day "force for good," and look forward to engaging Citi employees in our continuing efforts to meet the pressing needs of our communities and of our time.

(HandsOn Network, the volunteer-focused arm of Points of Light Institute, includes more than 250 affiliates in 16 countries. Michelle Nunn is the co-founder of HandsOn Network and the CEO of Points of Light Institute.)

Sign up to receive the latest news from Citi.

Select Preferences