PLEASE HELP ME MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
THERE ARE LITTLE THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO EVERYDAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR OWN WAY FOR THOSE THAT ARE SPECIAL TO YOU!!!
I thought that it would be fun to create a printable list of ideas for everyone. So, my mom and I made two different kinds!
This list is for everyone:
ideas-for-making-a-difference.doc
And this is a list of “little things” just for kids to do to make a difference:
littlewaystomakeadifference.doc
AND HERE ARE OTHER IDEAS FOR YOU! WHAT WOULD YOU ADD?
1. Shovel snow for a neighbor who is elderly or busy.
2. Make cookies and cards to take to a local retirement home.
3. Go through your old toys or clothes and donate them to local places who might want them.
4. Donate old books to your library. Ours is in need!
5. Donate your time to your local SPCA.
6. Spend some time visiting with an elderly neighbor who may like your company.
7. Give free rice to hungry people by playing a word game.
8. Getting a laptop? Give one too.
9. Pick up litter in your neighborhood.
10. Take the bus, instead of driving, like my dad does.
11. Walk to school.
12. Donate new toys, food, books to sick kids or to those who can’t afford them.
13. Start a fundraiser.
14. Write a letter to someone you love, and tell them how much you appreciate them.
15. Learn how to go green.
16. Run or walk for a cure. Find a race in your area.
17. Smile and say thank you to everyone you are grateful for today.
18. Clean your room before your mom or dad asks you.
19. Do the dishes.
20. Make your Christmas gifts instead of buying them.
21. Buy your groceries from local farmers.
22. Learn something about a culture you don’t understand.
23. Read.
24. Don’t watch television for a whole week.
25. Pray.
26. Write a letter to a soldier overseas.
27. Buy something small to send to a soldier.
28. Be a good role model for younger siblings.
29. Stand up for what is right when it is hard at school.
30. Compliment your teachers for a job well done.
31. What do you think? Let me know!
32. Donate your hair to Locks of Love.
33. Recycle cans and donate the money to a charity.
34. Use Good Search to raise money for Suneel’s Light.
35. Check out World Vision. Donate.
36. Click to help: breast cancer, hunger, rainforest, child health, literacy, animal rescue
37. Stop violence against women.
38. Write a thank you note to someone who deserves it.
39. Share a talent with someone (teach someone to cook or draw)
40. Help a child make a difference by providing transportation or inspiration.
41. Donate coats to Project Flight at Lindbergh Elementary.
42. Give blood.
25 Days to Make a Difference 
[…] Commit to one act for the Greater Good each day until Christmas. Let’s keep a list or use a calendar– or, like Nike commercials say, Just Do It! If you need ideas, Laura’s website has some suggestions. […]
I think your are generous, kind and inspirational, Laura. I love all your ideas so far and we can do them no matter if we are children or so-called adults. For example, I am no longer in school but I can certainly compliment my supervisor for a job well done. And I can stop any workplace gossip when it reaches my ears.
Here is one thing I’m going to start today. Because I’m a bit older than you (I’m probably older than your mom, too), I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff over the years, some of which I’ve never used or worn. I’m going to go through all these clothes, books and home-and-garden items and give whatever I don’t need (as long as it’s still in very good condition) to My Sister’s Closet, a thrift boutique that supports women in crisis. I’ll send you another email when I’ve dropped everything off so you know I kept my commitment….inspired by you.
Hi Laura. Elaine again. Here’s an idea inspired by you. Offer to put up your neighbor’s Christmas lights. This is especially appreciated by older neighbors who live alone.
I was outside putting up my Christmas lights on my balcony when my neighbor below came out to sweep alway the snow on her shrubs. I offered to put up her lights, too, and she was so grateful. (She lives alone, is a bit older than me, and recently had a fall and injured her leg.)
I am going to show your blog to my 10 year old tomorrow. Your parents must be extremely proud of you!
Hi Laura,
My wife and I are inspired by your blog entry and are gathering our list now. We’re coming up with ideas that our family can do for the community. Here are a couple things we thought of:
Write a thank you note and bake treats for your local fire/police station.
Give holiday cards to random people in your community that you’ve never met before.
Keep up the good work…
Hello Laura,
I just read about your blog on parent dish and I have to say that I absolutely LOVE your enthusiasm and you inspired me to keep looking for my opportunities to make a difference! My little girl is just a little over 2 and I hope I will be able to do “my job” somewhat similar to what your parents are doing 😉
Greetings from Germany, Micha
HI Laura,
I was so inspired after finding you this morning via Jen Lemen, that I was moved to write an email to all my friends and family (which I copied you on) to show them your fabulous project and encourage them to jump aboard!
I am jumping in today, as my 25 days will begin today and I will involve my soon to be two year old daughter in as much as I can. Have a wonderful holiday and thank you for the beautiful gift you have given to me.
Hugs – d
“Donate new toys, food, books to sick kids or to those who can’t afford them.”
My wife and I have our daughter select toys each Christmas season to donate. It is both charity and house cleaning- it makes space for the new toys while allowing her to realize the value of giving to others.
In this December issue of Glamour pg 200 is a list of 31 things adults (and children) can do for the hoildays! Take a look, or you can see them on my blog in a few days… Good luck!
crazymumma, they are really proud of me! thanks
Lara,
I did that free rice! I felt very good to see my donatian grow!
Good luck,
Maureen
Lara,
Its offical, you are the most inspiring person ever! I send luck and my greatest gratitude!
-Maureen
you are so inspiring look how long that list is and it will grow more and more
an idea i have for the list is vistit a sick child who needs some company at your local hospital
Dear Laura,
It is truly gratifying that you have been blessed with an insprirational way of motivating children and adults to perform positive and meaningful acts not only locally, but clear around the world.
Here on Grand Island, we have a Sight Night that has been held on Halloween for the past three years. Children go door-to-door collecting used eyeglasses and hearing aids that will be processed and distributed worldwide to help people work, learn, and enjoy life even though their existence may be very meager. Nearly three thousand eyeglasses and over thirty aids have been collected that are priceless to their recipients.
If you or your friends would like to know how to hold a successful Sight Night, please contact me at my email address. I’d be happy to help you.
Sincerely yours in service,
Lion Tom
you can donate money to a hospital .you can also visit poor kids at the city mission where familys go to if the cant afford a home!!!baby or animal sit of a nabor or close friend .and pray for soldiers and the injured people .
Laura – you are so inspiring i am putting a link on my blog to you.These are great suggestions.
Hi!
Thank you for coming to visit us today. It was very nice to meet you and your mom. You are doing wonderful work. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Dear Laura & Angela,
WOW! You have both truly made a difference in so many ways. It was wonderful meeting you and hearing about your blog. I have never even read a blog before (I’m old) and now I am planning to even start one. Today when you visited Compass House you provided us with so many ideas of things that we can do to support you and help you make a difference. I can’t wait to get started. Laura you are one incredible young lady, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet you and join up with you and your causes.
Keep up the GREAT work and help turn the world around one person and one day at a time. You do make a difference.
Love,
Sylvia
Hi Sweetie,
I find your blog very inspiring and simply great. I am very thankful that there are still such good people in this world like you. I am surly showing your blog to my 10 year old daughter. She is a very nice and caring girl like you. Keep up the great work you are certainly making a difference.
God bless you.
Love,
Magen
Hey Laura. Just thought I’d check out your blog. It’s really cool. GO LAURA! Keep on doing this. I shall try and get my school involved…just a thought.
I hope God gives you a pass to cut to the front of the line of people waiting to go to heaven. I mean, once you’re ready to.
Love your other blog too. This is kinda long, now.
I just love what you’re doing.
Jenna
Hold a canned food drive for your local food pantry!
I printed the list myself and now I see it everyday when I go in and out of my room. I’m glad you made this list.
Now that it is nearing christmas you could get a couple of friends and go carroling around the neighborhood with an adult. Just a suggestion!
laura, what you do for people everyday is inspirational……..i’m really glad that somebody is taking that extra step to help people in need……:<) its really great that you take time to do things for other people………how does it make you feel after helping people?
-danielle
Hi Laura! This is Danielle,Angela,Dominique,and Kayla from Mrs. Van Etten’s 7th period class. My friands and I from Mrs. Van Etten’s seventh period class, one person from Mrs. Van Etten’s 6th period class. We’re starting a clothing drive at Depew Middle School to give clothing to the Salvation Army. The drive will be from December 10th to December 22nd. We thought f the idea because your presentation inspired us all to help other people…Mrs. Van Etten is also helping us with this project. We just wanted to let you know that we were inspired by your whole presentation. Thanks, Danielle, Angela, Dominique, and Kayla
Hi Laura! we actually changed our charity….we are donating to compass house now………it’s going to be a lot of fun…..thanks for all of your help…….you really inspired us to do this…..
-danielle 🙂
Our clothes drive is going to make a huge difference, thank you for getting compass house to help us.
I visited your site after seeing the report on your blog in Edutopia. I work for a school district in Literacy (reading, writing, etc.). I am going to share your work with teachers I know. I can’t do much this year because I have had surgery, but my son has done his part in December to be helpful to me.
You are a fine young lady. Your parents must be very proud of your accomplishment.
[…] set about to make a difference in the lives of others, in just 25 days. Laura has created a list of little ways we can all help to make a difference in the lives of others, from making sure you clean under your bed, to raising money each month for […]
Maybe you could save up some money over a few months and then pitch in so that they can go out to dinner and not have to pay as much for it and as I said you can do it once every few months.
[…] https://twentyfivedays.wordpress.com/ideas-for-making-a-difference/ […]
Hi Laura! I’m 15 years old and I think about what to do to save the world almost all the time like you. I want to congratulate you; you’re such a thoughtful young lady. You should proud of yourself like grandpa would proud of you if he would have a chance to see what you’re doing.
Laura,
We acknowledge you for Making a Huge Difference in this world! We honor you for being thoughtful, inventive, creative and most importantly honest and true to yourself. You are making a huge difference by sharing your ideas with the world! Please accept our “Who I Am Makes A Difference,” Blue Ribbon as we pay forward the Power of Acknowledgment.
WHO YOU ARE MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO US!
Difference Makers Team