A record-breaking number of Michigan Tech students took up rakes and shovels to participate in the annual Make a Difference Day. This is a powerful demonstration of community engagement that directly benefits local organizations and residents. The event saw over 700 volunteers deployed to 72 sites across the Houghton/Hancock area. This serves as a bridge between the university and the wider community, addressing needs while fostering interpersonal and community relationships.
For local organizations, the influx of volunteer support is transformative. Angie Carter, a long-time gardener at the Ryan Street Garden, emphasized the practical impact. “It’s really helpful to have Make a Difference Day volunteers come at the end of the season to help clean up the garden beds,” Carter stated. She explained that tasks like spreading manure and straw to prepare the beds for winter require significant manual labor. “Having a big crew of folks here to take care of these tasks, we’re able to get it all done in one morning rather than taking a lot of time doing it as individuals,” Carter noted, highlighting how the collective effort helps to maintain a vital city park for all community members.
The scale of student participation this year was unprecedented. Event organizer Cole Pierucki reported a record 800 registrations, ultimately confirming over 700 volunteers. “Our student volunteers are really bridging the gap between Michigan Tech students and the community,” Cole explained. He expressed being “blown away” by the student response, which included a wide array of residence halls, fraternities, sororities, and student organizations. The high level of engagement shows a strong student desire to connect with and contribute to the local community.
For students like Neeve Donnelly, a five-time participant, the day offers more than just volunteer hours; it’s an opportunity for immersion. “It’s a very fun opportunity to learn about the area around you rather than just being campus-centric,” Donnelly shared. By returning to sites like the Ryan Street Garden year after year, students like Donnelly build lasting connections, learn gardening skills, and form friendships with local residents, proving that a single day of service can sow seeds of community that last far beyond the season.
