On October 23, volunteers from across the U.S. will “make a difference” in their communities. It is our nation’s largest day of volunteering for the good of someone else, with more than 3 million people helping 20 million others. Make a Difference Day is in partnership with HandsOn Network.

USA Weekend Magazine, along with the National Basketball Association and the NBA Players Association, will team up for Make a Difference Day 2010. According to USA Weekend Magazine, there are inspirational messages being included in the magazine each week. This past week was one from Steve Nash, which highlighted his Steve Nash Foundation’s work with under-served children. Viewers of the NBA-TV, NBA.com, and NBPA.org can also see the messages.

So, what can you do on this special day? First, go to makeadifferenceday.com for ideas, planning guides, and tips. After you have planned your project, enter the details into the Make A Difference DAYtaBANK. By registering your plans, you receive a free Newman’s Own food item. An additional 50 plans will be chosen to receive Newman’s Own food items to help feed their volunteers on October 23.

Also, this year, as in the past, 10 volunteer efforts will be chosen as National Honorees and receive $10,000 from Newman’s Own for their charity. For the first time, 3 cities will receive a City Award and $10,000 from Newman’s Own. This award is sponsored in a partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service.

What if you do not want to organize a group of your own? Then check for volunteering opportunities in your community and become a part of something bigger than yourself. Several of my students and I did just that last year, and we had such a wonderful day of helping others. Words cannot describe the feeling. I am thankful that the school in which I taught requires service hours of our students. It helps so many of our young people to see the world revolves around “us,” not around “me.”