A Day of Purpose: How Make a Difference Day Volunteers Transform Milwaukee Neighborhoods Every Term

On a chilly Saturday morning, a group of university students stands outside an elderly resident’s home, rakes in hand and ready to help. Make a Difference Day, held every semester, brings together students, nonprofits, and volunteers with one goal: to assist Milwaukee’s elderly residents with tasks that can be difficult to manage on their own.

Volunteers take on essential tasks like raking leaves and preparing yards for winter—chores that can be difficult for seniors to handle on their own—providing meaningful support that benefits the entire community.

Make a Difference Day goes beyond a typical service project, giving volunteers a chance to connect with different generations and engage directly with the Milwaukee community. Coordinated this year by Andy West, the Community Engagement Learning Program Manager, the initiative involves extensive partnerships with organizations such as East Side Senior Services, EROS, and local institutions like Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. For West, who has been involved with the event for seven semesters, Make a Difference Day is a testament to the growing spirit of volunteerism in Milwaukee, with participation numbers rising steadily post-COVID.

“The goal is to connect with as many older adults as possible who have reached out for help getting their yards ready for winter. We aim to provide as much support as possible,” West explains. 

Each term, volunteers are briefed on the tasks ahead and split into small teams. Transportation is often arranged by those with cars, allowing them to drive directly to designated homes. This semester, dozens of students and community members checked in at 9 a.m., forming teams, receiving envelopes with addresses and contact information, and venturing out to various neighborhoods. The tasks—raking leaves, moving furniture, trimming hedges—were simple yet impactful, providing invaluable support to elderly residents.

For many students, volunteering on Make a Difference Day provides a fresh perspective on the neighborhoods they may not otherwise explore. Drake Olson, a freshman at UWM, participated for the first time this semester. Although his major is undecided, he’s sure about one thing: Make a Difference Day was an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. “I feel like helping people who can’t really help themselves really brings people closer,” Olson reflects. “Working toward a singular goal unites the students and the community in a meaningful way.” Drake’s experience underscored the power of community-driven projects that create a shared sense of purpose, reinforcing bonds among students and Milwaukee residents alike.

For anyone interested in learning more or getting involved, Make a Difference Day provides a wealth of resources and support. Each year, the event’s official page highlights opportunities across various cities and helps connect individuals with projects that align with their skills and interests.Volunteering offers a simple and effective way to create a direct impact, and Milwaukee’s strong participation in Make a Difference Day serves as a shining example of how much good can be accomplished in a single day of service.

For Suzette Spot, a volunteer who has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for over six years, the day’s activities resonated deeply. Used to assisting the elderly in her daily work, Suzette is passionate about supporting the older generation. 

“I thought it was a good cause, and I felt like I was actually making a direct impact,” she said. “When I heard we were helping elderly people in the community clean up their yards, I really wanted to help.” Suzette’s background in caregiving added to her motivation, and she hopes to find more volunteer opportunities like this where she can directly connect with those in need.

The enthusiasm extended across different age groups and backgrounds, with every volunteer bringing a unique story and perspective. 

Callie Quade, another student participant, described her experience as transformative. “I was just happy the entire time, and I felt proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. This is something I haven’t done before, and it was hard at first, but I’m really happy I overcame that fear and was able to help someone because of it.” For Callie, volunteering wasn’t just about helping others it was about pushing her own boundaries and growing as an individual. Her initial nerves melted away as she realized the joy of service and the fulfillment it brought her.

Beyond directly benefiting elderly residents, Make a Difference Day plays an important role in supporting students’ personal development and professional skills. West sees this event as an ideal way to help students build skills, create networks, and gain support for their academic and career journeys. 

“The event offers students an opportunity to engage with the Milwaukee community,” he explains. “It’s also a great opportunity for students to engage with our office and gain support for their academic and professional growth.” For many students, the relationships they form during events like these extend beyond one day of volunteering, shaping their college experiences and even leading to career opportunities in service and community-focused fields.

The structure of the day encouraged teamwork and efficiency. Depending on the number of volunteers, teams varied in size, with some tackling multiple homes within a short timeframe. After completing their tasks, volunteers returned to the starting location, where they enjoyed pizza, received T-shirts, and had the chance to reflect on the day’s work. 

Make a Difference Day doesn’t end with the physical work completed in the yards of Milwaukee’s elderly residents. It creates a meaningful experience for both the volunteers and the individuals they assist. The event grows each term, adapting and expanding as more people learn about its purpose and the tangible benefits it brings. Volunteers leave not just with a sense of accomplishment but with memories, friendships, and a renewed commitment to community service.

Milwaukee’s Make a Difference Day highlights the positive impact a single day of service can have. With each term, more students participate, contributing to meaningful change in the city through small but powerful acts of kindness.