RAPID CITY, S.D. — Make a Difference Day falls on the fourth Saturday of October every year. Originally created in 1992, the day has since become the largest national day of service over its almost 30-year existence.
During the day, large groups of people gather to help improve the lives of others through community-led projects.
The West River Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or West River RSVP, is participating in this annual event by collecting clothes donations for veterans. Their deadline has recently been extended to Thursday, October 21 from the original October 18 deadline.
They are currently accepting socks, underwear, and heavy clothing like sweat pants and sweat shirts; anything that will help veterans keep warm through the winter months.
Sweat pants and sweat shirt donations are preferred to be new garments, but gently-used is accepted. All socks and undergarments must be brand-new and in their original packaging.
“Whether they were in service, whether they were on duty and in the field, they know how important items such as dry comfortable new socks, and underwear and sweats, sweat pants and sweat shirts are,” Communications Coordinator Darrell Shoemaker explained. “How valuable those items are.”
Residents can drop off donations at locations in both Spearfish and Rapid City.
The Rapid City drop-off locations are at the City Finance Office on 300 Sixth Street and the RSVP office at 33 Sixth Street.
Spearfish residents can go to the RSVP Office on 540 Heritage Drive, Suite#5 and bring their donations to the drop-off box there.