BUCHANAN — During a day dedicated entirely to service in 2014, one young Buchanan man summed up a reason to contribute to community that is difficult to dispute.

“Without volunteers, nothing would ever get done,” said Randall, who attends Buchanan High School.

Projects are being organized and volunteers are marking their calendar for the fourth annual Make a Difference Buchanan Day.

This year’s event will run from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 24. A nationwide event, people from all over Michiana are encouraged to find a place to donate a few hours of their time during the three-hour time period.

In Buchanan, the Buchanan First United Methodist Church promotes the day and helps organize various projects throughout the community. Visitors can check in at the church and then disperse to projects.

Last year’s event — sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in partnership with the City of Buchanan, Buchanan Community Schools, RAM, and the Buchanan Garden Club  —resulted in more than 70 individuals of all ages donating more than 200 hours of their time on a variety of projects. Among the tasks completed on the day dedicated to giving back to the community were painting the local elementary school gym (Ottawa), painting Red Bud Area Ministries and cleaning up the downtown area.

On “Make a Difference Day” local volunteers join millions of other Americans in inviting people of all ages and abilities to show the strength of volunteerism.

Joining the effort in 2015 is PLAY (Projects Leading to Amazing Youth) who, in collaboration with the City of Buchanan, is leading a playground spruce-up project.

Also new this year will be several service projects on site at First United Methodist Church for those who find it hard to participate in outdoor physical projects.

To learn more about volunteering or to register with Make a Difference Buchanan please send an email to MakeADifferenceBuchanan@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MakeaDifferenceBuchanan