BUCHANAN — Make a Difference Day is not only the largest national day of service, but one that has local impact as well.

Rose Reybucks, a 2013 Make a Difference Day volunteer in Buchanan, said it is important for both the community and the volunteers.

“Every day I see people who need help and I want us to help,” said Reybucks, who participated with her children in 2013. “We will be there.”

For the third year, First United Methodist Church is leading the Buchanan effort in collaboration with the City of Buchanan and Buchanan Community Schools.

“I think it is what God calls us to do, make a difference and reach out to the community and love our neighbors as ourselves,” said Pastor Rob McPherson.

Also participating in the volunteer day are the local food pantry, Red Bud Area Ministries (RAM) and the Buchanan Garden Club.

Projects in past years have included fixing up a playground, cleaning up outdoor areas at a school and at RAM, and installing fencing at the school farm. This year’s projects include painting projects at Ottawa Elementary School and at RAM, a food drive for RAM, and a massive downtown clean-up project that includes weeding, painting and many other small jobs.

At least 60 volunteers will be required to accomplish the projects planned so far. Organizers will add more projects if additional volunteers register.

Make a Difference Buchanan is open to anyone who, in just few short hours, wants to see the impact volunteers can have and who wants to feel a part of old-fashioned community spirit. Volunteer registration is now open.

Make a Difference day in Buchanan will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 18. Day of sign-ups will take place at 9 a.m. at 132 S. Oak St.

Preregister by emailing MakeADifferenceBuchanan@gmail.com or calling (269) 695-3282.