Change Notes: In good times and bad, demonstrating the best of the American spirit

Friends, 

As millions of people along the east coast begin to mourn those who died and assess the damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy, I find comfort and reassurance in one thing: Americans have always pulled together after disasters to lend a hand, help our neighbors and rebuild our communities. As Sandy recedes, we will unite in volunteer service once again.

Just a few days ago, three million people gathered across the country on the nation's largest day of service, Make a Difference Day. They donated food for military families. They cleaned up neighborhoods, parks and schools. They sponsored carnivals for children with special needs and lemonade stands for kids with cancer. In thousands of locations across the country, they did more than they've ever done before. (USA Today had a great story and video about a project in Virginia.).

For 22 years, on the fourth Saturday in October, Points of Light and Gannett's USA WEEKEND have sponsored Make A Difference Day to meet the needs of the most vulnerable among us and demonstrate the best of the American spirit.

This year, in the early days of November, that spirit is needed again. As Hurricane Sandy weakens, our HandsOn Network volunteer action centers in the northeast need your help to clean up, to help those who have lost so much, to rebuild. So many depend on the power of people like you to make a difference.

Visit our website to find out how you can help. And thank you so much for past and future service.

In service,  

Michelle Nunn

CEO, Points of Light