Make A Difference Day
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Project Request Hotline OPEN:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Homeowners in need of small, critical home repairs may call 814-337-1251 between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to apply for assistance. It is important to note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance; committee volunteers will visit each work site to assess the safety and scope of the project, as well as home ownership documentation required for processing.
Allegheny College - Civic Engagement Department will coordinate general yard maintenance tasks such as leaf raking, hedge clipping, and yard clean-up on Make A Difference Day (MADD). MADD projects will be completed 10/24/26 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The Make A Difference committee is eager to embark on a fulfilling season of service and encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their homes and yards.
For more information or to apply for a critical home repair project, please call 814-337-1251.
YOU have an opportunity to join us!
See below for ways you and your organization can participate.
1. Donate: We provide a light breakfast and lunch for project volunteers to boost their energy throughout the day, especially on time-consuming projects. These items include:
- Bottled Water/ Coffee/ Hot Chocolate
- Donuts/Muffins/ Fruit/ Granola Bars
- Pizza (gift cards)
Please note: Lending works too! We also use a variety of tools for projects throughout the day: rakes, hedge trimmers, power-washers, shovels, etc. Any support in this area is greatly appreciated!
2. Volunteer
Service events would be impossible without the volunteers. We ask local organizations and residents to form a team to participate. Please encourage your colleagues and friends to join this effort! Having a team participate in these events can enhance the visibility of your organization and commitment to the community. Volunteer links opening soon!
3. Spread the Word
If you know of any community members in need, please have them contact the United Way at (814) 337-1251
PRESS RELEASE:
United Way of Western Crawford County Announces 2026 Make a Difference Project Hotline
MEADVILLE, PA — The United Way of Western Crawford County is preparing for another season of Make a Difference service projects and is inviting local residents and nonprofit organizations to submit projects that could benefit from the helping hands of community volunteers.
The Make a Difference Hotline will open Wednesday, September 2, 2026, and remain open through Friday, September 16, 2026. Homeowners and local nonprofit organizations are encouraged to call during this time to request consideration for a volunteer service project.
The hotline, (814) 337-1251, will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Callers who reach the hotline outside of operating hours are welcome to leave a voicemail with their contact information and a brief description of the project.
Projects may include general yard maintenance, seasonal outdoor cleanup, and small critical home repairs. Make a Difference projects are intended primarily to assist local seniors and homeowners who are unable to complete needed projects due to health-related reasons.
Local nonprofit agencies are also encouraged to contact the hotline if they have a project that could be completed by community volunteers.
“Make a Difference is a wonderful example of what can happen when our community comes together to lend a helping hand,” said Marisa Lines, Executive Director of the United Way of Western Crawford County. “These projects are about more than getting a yard cleaned up or making a small repair. They are about helping our neighbors maintain safe, healthy homes and reminding people that they are not alone.”
Please note that submitting a project request does not guarantee approval. Following the September 16 deadline, the Make a Difference Committee will review all submitted projects and determine which requests fall within the program's scope and can reasonably be completed based on available volunteer capacity, project needs, and resources.
No new projects will be reviewed following the September 16 deadline. Residents and organizations are encouraged to contact the hotline as early as possible during the submission period.
Approved projects will be scheduled on variable dates throughout the Make a Difference season, depending on the type and scope of each project and volunteer availability. The majority of general service projects are anticipated to be completed on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The United Way of Western Crawford County encourages community members to help spread the word to seniors, homeowners, and local nonprofit organizations who may benefit from this opportunity.
2026 Make a Difference Hotline
Call: (814) 337-1251
Hotline Opens: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Hotline Closes: Friday, September 16, 2026
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
After Hours: Voicemail messages welcome
Primary Service Day: Saturday, October 24, 2026
The United Way of Western Crawford County's Make a Difference initiative brings community volunteers together to help local residents and organizations address projects that can make a meaningful difference in the health, safety, and quality of life of our community.