Make a Difference Day is the nation’s largest single day of community service—
a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate! Each year, Make a Difference Day brings volunteerism to a new level by connecting people with projects that transform their communities.
Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make a Difference Day is observed on the fourth Saturday of October. Locally, United Way of Northwest Georgia will host volunteer projects throughout the week of October 20–25, 2025. Coming together to serve is not only a powerful way to improve our community but also an opportunity to build deeper connections with neighbors while having fun and doing good.
This year marks the 25th year that United Way of Northwest Georgia has organized Make a Difference Day.
We are thrilled to recognize Marketing Alliance Group and Mannington Mills as our Premier Sponsors. Each generously donated $5,000 to make this year’s impact possible!!
In addition, seven Community Project Sponsors are stepping up to lead projects across Whitfield and Murray counties: Dalton Parks and Recreation, Dalton Utilities, Mohawk Industries, Shaw Industries, United Way of Northwest Georgia’s Young Leaders Society, Youth United, and Women’s Leadership Council.
A total of ten volunteer projects will take place across the two counties.
2025 Make a Difference Day Projects include:
1. Marketing Alliance Group – Supporting the Salvation Army and its Transitional Housing Program.
2. Mannington Mills – Supporting the Chattanooga Area Food Bank by assembling emergency food boxes.
3. Dalton Utilities – Supporting the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center in maintaining its shelter facilities.
4. Shaw Industries – Partnering with the Boys & Girls Club to refresh the front entrance.
5. Mohawk Industries – Supporting the Chattanooga Area Food Bank by assembling emergency food boxes.
6. Dalton Parks and Recreation – Providing a covered bench at the Dalton Pointe Apartments.
7. Floating Tree – Expanding a community garden serving food-insecure families.
8. Young Leaders Society – Installing a Born Learning Trail at Eton Elementary School.
9. Women’s Leadership Council – Installing three Little Free Libraries at Beaverdale Elementary School, Westwood Elementary School, and The Beechland Roundhouse.
10. Conasauga River Watershed Clean-Up – With volunteers from Youth United supporting this annual event.
For more than two decades, Make a Difference Day has proven that anyone, no matter their age, background, or skills, can take action to improve their community. Big or small, every project matters. Whether you join an existing project or create your own, Make a Difference Day strengthens the bonds of our community and helps make Northwest Georgia a better place to call home.
How will you make a difference this year?
Join United Way of Northwest Georgia and take part in Make a Difference Day! Learn more at www.ourunitedway.org/MDDAY.