The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) supports volunteer service across the nation, and we couldn't let this weekend pass without saluting the millions who will take part in the annual Make a Difference Day. You can still find a project and join them if you hurry.

Make a Difference Day has been leading the charge for this “national day of doing good” for more than 20 years, and gives volunteers the opportunity to turn their focus to improving the lives of others. USA Weekend Magazine and Points of Light sponsor this annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of October.

This type of effort is something CNCS is familiar with as we support millions of volunteers across the nation, and many of our surrogates, agencies, and grantees will participate in this event as well.

For example, the Mississippi Commission on Volunteer Service and its regional offices in Starkville, Oxford, and Northwest Mississippi are highlighting projects across the Magnolia State, some of which started earlier this week. Events run the gamut from cleanup and landscaping to sorting thrift store donations to Habitat for Humanity construction projects.

Worried about joining in? Don't. The Hands On Blog has some great tips for first-time volunteers that should quell your fears.

If you would like to volunteer, you can find a project in your area by visiting the Make a Difference Day Daytabank.

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Summer learning loss is a growing problem for American children but there is a simple solution. Research shows that reading just five books during the summer can help kids stay on the path to academic success during the next school year.
 

In October 2003, 14-year-old Madison Woytovich was having her hair braided by her mother, Betsy, when large chunks of Madison’s hair began falling out. During the next seven weeks, 75 percent of her hair disappeared.
 

Nursing homes can be scary places for the residents as they yearn for companionship in a situation that doesn’t bring frequent visitors. Knowing those often-unfilled needs of the elderly led Rachel Doyle to turn her focus to improving this situation.
 

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At age 17, Congressman John Lewis was so inspired by Dr. King that he wrote a letter to King asking to meet him. Dr. King wrote back and sent Lewis a round-trip Greyhound bus ticket to meet with him.
 

Twenty-five years ago, Ferris Bueller skipped school to spend a day of frivolous fun with his friends. He had little regard for authority, responsibility or the rules. We all wanted to be Ferris – slightly cynical, charmingly irreverent, and clever. Ferris – and the movie he starred in – defined a generation – my generation, Generation X.
 

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Last week, the Corporation for National and Community Service participated in a historic moment when acting CEO, Robert Velasco II joined Members of Congress, service leaders, and 9/11 Day of Service partners on Capitol Hill where the National 9/11 Flag made a stop on its nationwide tour.