Volunteers Ray Finnerty, Rob Alvey, and George and Dean Rodman Volunteers are wanted to lend a hand at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary's 3rd “Make-A-Difference Day” program on Saturday October 23 between 10AM and 4PM. Celebrate this national day of community service by planting bulbs and shrubs at the 9 acre community nature preserve on Tanners Pond Road in Garden City. Help install fencing, paint benches, trim trees, or extend walking paths. Over 150 people volunteered in 2003! Scout, church, student, and neighborhood groups and individuals are invited to help out. The rain date is Sunday Oct 24, 1-5PM.

“Make A Difference Day” is a national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Created in 1990 by “USA WEEKEND” Magazine, 'Make A Difference Day' is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. Millions have participated. Make A Difference Day is held in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation. The Points of Light Foundation, founded in 1990 by former President George Bush, is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes volunteerism. It is the nation's leading advocate for and authority on volunteering. The Unity in the Spirit of America Act, signed by President George Bush on January 10 as an amendment to the Defense Appropriations Bill, called for the Points of Light Foundation to identify and organize at least 5,000 volunteer service projects across the United States. The Garden City Bird Sanctuary is one of those projects.

Stewart School Teacher John Cronin with young volunteer crew. The Garden City Bird Sanctuary manages the 9 acre nature preserve in Garden City. The mission of the G. C. Bird Sanctuary is to manage protected greenspace for environmental stewardship and community services programs. The community based organization provides educational programs and services for the public. The G. C. Bird Sanctuary site is a Nassau County stormwater storage basin, and the 'Bird Sanctuary' is a pilot program for dual use of County basins by community groups. It is supported by donations and volunteers. This year, 2004, will be the third year of participation in “Make A Difference Day.” Over 150 volunteers participated each of the past two years.

Girl Scout Troop volunteers at Make a Difference Day Volunteers are asked to bring spring flowering bulbs for planting. Chaminade's Emmaus volunteers are scheduling work day to help prepare areas for planting so younger volunteers have an easier time digging. Thanks to generous donations by Talmage Farm, Bissett Nursery, Atlantic Nursery, Fury Landscaping, Save-A-Tree, and Hicks Nursery, there are plenty of perennials and shrubs that need to get into the ground. For information or to volunteer, contact Rob Alvey at 326-1720.

Volunteers from the 2003 Make a Difference Day at the Bird Sanctuary

Garden City high School boys helped “Make A Difference”