Three million Americans joined together in service on Saturday, Oct. 22, as part of Make A Difference Day, the largest day of community service each year.

For more than two decades, Points of Light has partnered with USA Weekend to sponsor Make A Difference Day. It is the day we celebrate the power of people to use their time, talent, voice and money to create change.

Our collective effort has grown over the years to include people from all walks of life – young and old, families, cities and communities large and small. These volunteers see a problem or an opportunity in their community and take action to address it. They touch the lives of millions and find their own lives changed and transformed.

More than 50 HandsOn Network affiliates hosted signature Make A Difference Day projects addressing a variety of community needs. In Washington, D.C., more than 200 volunteers – including employees from Make A Difference Day sponsor Citi – worked together to revitalize J.C. Nalle Elementary School. Their work included painting, landscaping, creating play spaces and improving the school’s library.

Service has long been a priority for Citi, and it is built into the core values of the organization. The company’s sixth annual Global Community Day – aligned with Make A Difference Day – engaged more than 50,000 employees, along with their family and friends, in giving their special skills and expertise in more than 90 countries with one goal in mind – to make a difference in the communities where they live and work.

Check back in April to hear the stories of the 10 National Make A Difference Day Award Winners, honored for their efforts on Make A Difference Day 2011.

We also encourage you to share your Make A Difference Day photos or stories.

Make A Difference Day Videos:


Make A Difference Day Pictures: