Get Publicity: Sample Press Release

Distribute a press release a week or two in advance that clearly conveys the who, what, when, where, why and how of your activity. (You may use our sample press release for your project.)

CONTACT: [name and phone] [DATE of release -- a week or two prior to Make A Difference Day]

Millions to volunteer on MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY, Oct. 25

[ARLINGTON, Va.] - Millions of Americans across the country are expected to spend Saturday, Oct. 25 - the 18th Make A Difference Day - doing volunteer projects to improve their communities and help neighbors in need. The day is the largest community service effort in the nation, rallying corporations, government leaders, charitable organizations and everyday Americans into action on one day.

On the last Make A Difference Day, a record 3 million volunteers participated and an estimated 28 million people-in-need benefited. Projects have ranged from a countywide cleanup involving thousands of people to a mentoring program in which members of a sorority provided one-on-one support to 35 underprivileged children.

For the Oct. 25 event, a total of $100,000 is available to Make A Difference Day charities:
To recognize outstanding volunteer accomplishments, 10 awards of $10,000 will be donated by Newman's Own. Award recipients will be selected by a panel of judges. Awards will be presented in April 2009.

For more information about Make A Difference Day, please call your local volunteer center or the Make A Difference Day Hot Line at 1-800-416-3824. More information and a national databank of local project plans is available at the Web site makeadifferenceday.com.