Wildcats unite to make a difference raking leaves

Make a Difference Day arrives just like the famous fall colors.

Abigail Faix

October 19, 2023

MAKING A CHANGE — Make A Difference Day is being hosted by the NMU Volunteer Center, supporting the Marquette community by raking leaves for those who cannot.

With every fall season in the Upper Peninsula, Northern Michigan University students come together to support the community they live in by raking leaves for those who are unable to. Saturday, Oct. 21 is Make a Difference Day (MADD) with over 100 student groups preparing to volunteer to rake leaves for the community.

The event is hosted by the NMU Volunteer Center and they’ve been getting calls about this day since the semester has started. Addi Pavlo is a second year student at NMU and is a coordinator for the Superior Edge/Volunteer Center.

“Make a Difference Day to me is more so being able to help others who cannot do it themselves, something as simple as raking leaves means so much to those we do it for,” Pavlo said. “I am looking forward to the community event where the goal is to help someone.”

This initiative has brought in over 800 volunteers to rake leaves for local seniors in the Marquette community. A wait list has been created due to the amount of seniors who would like these NMU volunteers to come by and rake leaves for them.

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Those volunteering will receive a grab-and-go breakfast before joining their group in going to their designated site to start helping out. MADD is an event where students from different parts of the country come together to serve one community.

About the Contributors

Abigail Faix, Features Editor

My name is Abby, I am a fourth-year student at Northern. I am studying Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Political Science. I've always been passionate about journalism since I was in high school. I was offered this position as a Journalism Practicum student and am now so thankful to have the opportunity to write for The Northwind as the new Features Editor. I've found that The Northwind has led me to more connections throughout the university and community than I would find on my own. I'm always interested in getting to know new people and what's happening around Marquette.

Joleigh Martinez, Graphic designer

Hello! My name is Joleigh Martinez, I have been happily working for the North Wind since Sophomore year of my NMU career. I am majoring in Native American Studies and double minoring in Construction systems and Art and Design. I am a graphic designer for the North Wind visuals. I appreciate the environment our staff creates and hope to see this team succeed further in life knowing how hard and beautifully they work! I love being a barn/chicken lady, I enjoy playing tennis, and am very excited to graduate and kickstart life outside of college.