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News Release

10-15-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Make A Difference Day (Photo) - 10/15/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Make a Difference Day

 

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice issued a proclamation today at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the month of October as the National Month of Community Service and Make a Difference Day, which is celebrated every year on the fourth Saturday of October.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that “October is recognized as the National Month of Community Service, a time dedicated to inspiring volunteerism and strengthening local communities through collective action. As part of this national initiative, Douglas County proudly celebrates Make a Difference Day, uniting residents, organizations, and businesses to give back through service projects that improve neighborhoods and support those in need.  From park cleanups and food drives to mentoring programs and community beautification efforts, Make a Difference Day showcases the power of teamwork and compassion. Every act of service—big or small—contributes to a stronger, more connected Douglas County.  We invite you to join us in making a lasting impact. Volunteer, lend a hand, and help make Douglas County a place where community spirit thrives year-round.”  A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

            The Commissioners honored the work being done by our local Make a Difference Day campaign committee, their community partners, volunteers, and project sites.  Make a Difference Day – Douglas County will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and marks the fourth annual day of service in Douglas County.  Since 1992, Make A Difference Day has been recognized in October as a national holiday dedicated to volunteering.  It is the largest National Day of Community service in the United States and is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.  In Douglas County, several non-profit organizations, area businesses, and faith-based community groups have come together with the hope of revitalizing the spirit of volunteerism in Douglas County. This year they have secured 17 project sites with over 300 volunteers needed to serve.  Commissioner Boice presented Make a Difference Day proclamation certificates to the Make a Difference Day – Douglas County Committee Chair Jerry Medlar and Former Chair Tim Juett, as well as attending planning committee members, service groups, support agencies, volunteers, and project location site representatives.  In addition to Jerry and Tim, those honored in attendance today included: Jane Maritz, Julia Anselmo, Chelsea Duncan, Jennifer Coalwell, Ken Madison, Sarah Davey, Patrick Hull, Traci Palmer, Fern Weatherman, and Cyn Demers. 

 

“This project was brought to my attention a few years ago by Tim Juett and some folks that recognized the importance of volunteerism throughout the community.  They recognized that we have a fair amount of that activity going on already and wanted to organize a way to recognize those efforts but also to match the volunteer spirit with projects in the community that needed to be done.  This group was born out of that idea a few years ago.  We have a large volunteer workforce in Douglas County that not only works for us, but also does great work in the Community,” commented Commissioner Boice.

 

2025 Make a Difference Day – Douglas County Planning Committee Members: Jerry Medler-Chair; Tim Juett-Former Chair/Founder; Mike Schofield – Spokesperson; Jennifer Coalwell-JustServe.org; Chelsea Duncan-Roseburg School District; Julia Anselmo–UCAN; Debbie Blocker-Community Member; Rebecca Warren–Thrive Umpqua; Jane Maritz–Sunrise Enterprises; Ken Madison-Community Member; Billie Maddux–Kiwanis of Roseburg; Tracie Maddux-Kiwanis of Roseburg; Jessica Saxton-Community Member; Erik Wood-UCAN; Greater Douglas United Way; and Richard Mabie–Salvation Army.

 

2025 Make a Difference Day – Douglas County Project Locations: Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Tracy Grauer); Glide Elementary – Paw Patch (Jaley Osuna Bullock); Roseburg Parks and Recreation (Shanna Epperson); Sunnyslope Elementary (Dan Endicott); Umpqua Valley Farm to School (Erin Maidlow & Sarah Davey); Habitat for Humanity (Curtis Gordon); UCAN Head Start (David Comer Jr.); HIV Alliance (Alana Lenihan); Sunrise Enterprises (Jane Maritz); Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center (Fern Weatherman & Cynthia Demers); Roseburg Family Search Center (Mike Schofield); Roseburg VA Medical Center (Patrick Hull & Traci Palmer); Roseburg First Presbyterian Church (Connie Johnson); Roseburg First United Methodist Church (Pastor Pam Palmer); Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights – Santa’s Village (Tabbitha Layman); City of Drain (Jeni Stevens) and City of Reedsport (Dr. Ian Coe).

 

“Thank you, Commissioners, for your continuing support of Make a Difference Day – it’s great!  I’d like to thank Tim Juett who was the brainchild of this whole organization and our great planning committee.  This all-volunteer committee has a lot of talent and heart – they are the backbone of our organization.  I appreciate every one of them.  Service, which I believe is an expression of love, is a great antic dote for a lot of problems we are having in our nation and throughout the world.  Whether it is seen or unseen, big or small, service benefits not only the recipient, but the giver also.  We are focused on one day a year, but we encourage everybody to look for ways to serve in everyday life.  Maybe do a small thing like smile at a stranger or say a kind word that would help them.  I think that would make a big difference in our life,”  remarked Jerry Medler, 2025 Make a Difference Day – Douglas County Committee Chair. 

 

Make a Difference Day – Douglas County is still in need of volunteers for October 25, 2025!  The Commissioners invite our residents to sign up and join the cause as they celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and make improvements in our county. For more information or to sign up to volunteer visit their website at: https://makeadifferenceday.org/ or call (541) 492-3523 or email info@makeadifferenceday.org. 

 

“Thank you, Commissioners, for recognizing all of us today.  I've been here for about 2 1/2 years.  When I came to the Roseburg VA for an interview, I noticed there was this space by the gate, and I thought, “Wow, that's really pretty, I love that.  Facility management here does a good job.”  Then, I learned that there was a group that did that beautification – it was volunteers – and it was very impressive.  Then as I was walking through the facility, I learned about all of the different projects that have been done over the years and that your group (Make a Difference Day) continues to do for us and our community.  These projects serve as a way to express gratitude to our veterans while also highlighting that healthcare is ultimately experienced through the eyes of the people we serve.  Your work and your effort have made a difference on our campus.  Not too long ago, I stopped a group of people walking through the VA campus and asked why they walk through the VA, and they said, “Because it is beautiful and its safe.”  It is all thanks to Make a Difference Day and community volunteers.  So, thank you,” stated Patrick Hull, Executive Director, Roseburg VA Health Care and 2025 Make a Difference Day volunteer site location.   

 

The proclamation presented today is a reminder and encouragement for our residents to volunteer in our community, with service projects that make Douglas County a better place to live, work and play.

 

###

Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.us

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. Photos © K.Tate/Douglas County.  Individual pictures available upon request. 

Attached Media Files: 10-15-25 DC BOC Make A Difference Proclamation (1).png, 10-15-25 MDD Proclamation signed.jpg,

10-15-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Make A Difference Day (Photo) - 10/15/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Make a Difference Day

 

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice issued a proclamation today at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the month of October as the National Month of Community Service and Make a Difference Day, which is celebrated every year on the fourth Saturday of October.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that “October is recognized as the National Month of Community Service, a time dedicated to inspiring volunteerism and strengthening local communities through collective action. As part of this national initiative, Douglas County proudly celebrates Make a Difference Day, uniting residents, organizations, and businesses to give back through service projects that improve neighborhoods and support those in need.  From park cleanups and food drives to mentoring programs and community beautification efforts, Make a Difference Day showcases the power of teamwork and compassion. Every act of service—big or small—contributes to a stronger, more connected Douglas County.  We invite you to join us in making a lasting impact. Volunteer, lend a hand, and help make Douglas County a place where community spirit thrives year-round.”  A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

            The Commissioners honored the work being done by our local Make a Difference Day campaign committee, their community partners, volunteers, and project sites.  Make a Difference Day – Douglas County will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and marks the fourth annual day of service in Douglas County.  Since 1992, Make A Difference Day has been recognized in October as a national holiday dedicated to volunteering.  It is the largest National Day of Community service in the United States and is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.  In Douglas County, several non-profit organizations, area businesses, and faith-based community groups have come together with the hope of revitalizing the spirit of volunteerism in Douglas County. This year they have secured 17 project sites with over 300 volunteers needed to serve.  Commissioner Boice presented Make a Difference Day proclamation certificates to the Make a Difference Day – Douglas County Committee Chair Jerry Medlar and Former Chair Tim Juett, as well as attending planning committee members, service groups, support agencies, volunteers, and project location site representatives.  In addition to Jerry and Tim, those honored in attendance today included: Jane Maritz, Julia Anselmo, Chelsea Duncan, Jennifer Coalwell, Ken Madison, Sarah Davey, Patrick Hull, Traci Palmer, Fern Weatherman, and Cyn Demers. 

 

“This project was brought to my attention a few years ago by Tim Juett and some folks that recognized the importance of volunteerism throughout the community.  They recognized that we have a fair amount of that activity going on already and wanted to organize a way to recognize those efforts but also to match the volunteer spirit with projects in the community that needed to be done.  This group was born out of that idea a few years ago.  We have a large volunteer workforce in Douglas County that not only works for us, but also does great work in the Community,” commented Commissioner Boice.

 

2025 Make a Difference Day – Douglas County Planning Committee Members: Jerry Medler-Chair; Tim Juett-Former Chair/Founder; Mike Schofield – Spokesperson; Jennifer Coalwell-JustServe.org; Chelsea Duncan-Roseburg School District; Julia Anselmo–UCAN; Debbie Blocker-Community Member; Rebecca Warren–Thrive Umpqua; Jane Maritz–Sunrise Enterprises; Ken Madison-Community Member; Billie Maddux–Kiwanis of Roseburg; Tracie Maddux-Kiwanis of Roseburg; Jessica Saxton-Community Member; Erik Wood-UCAN; Greater Douglas United Way; and Richard Mabie–Salvation Army.

 

2025 Make a Difference Day – Douglas County Project Locations: Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Tracy Grauer); Glide Elementary – Paw Patch (Jaley Osuna Bullock); Roseburg Parks and Recreation (Shanna Epperson); Sunnyslope Elementary (Dan Endicott); Umpqua Valley Farm to School (Erin Maidlow & Sarah Davey); Habitat for Humanity (Curtis Gordon); UCAN Head Start (David Comer Jr.); HIV Alliance (Alana Lenihan); Sunrise Enterprises (Jane Maritz); Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center (Fern Weatherman & Cynthia Demers); Roseburg Family Search Center (Mike Schofield); Roseburg VA Medical Center (Patrick Hull & Traci Palmer); Roseburg First Presbyterian Church (Connie Johnson); Roseburg First United Methodist Church (Pastor Pam Palmer); Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights – Santa’s Village (Tabbitha Layman); City of Drain (Jeni Stevens) and City of Reedsport (Dr. Ian Coe).

 

“Thank you, Commissioners, for your continuing support of Make a Difference Day – it’s great!  I’d like to thank Tim Juett who was the brainchild of this whole organization and our great planning committee.  This all-volunteer committee has a lot of talent and heart – they are the backbone of our organization.  I appreciate every one of them.  Service, which I believe is an expression of love, is a great antic dote for a lot of problems we are having in our nation and throughout the world.  Whether it is seen or unseen, big or small, service benefits not only the recipient, but the giver also.  We are focused on one day a year, but we encourage everybody to look for ways to serve in everyday life.  Maybe do a small thing like smile at a stranger or say a kind word that would help them.  I think that would make a big difference in our life,”  remarked Jerry Medler, 2025 Make a Difference Day – Douglas County Committee Chair. 

 

Make a Difference Day – Douglas County is still in need of volunteers for October 25, 2025!  The Commissioners invite our residents to sign up and join the cause as they celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and make improvements in our county. For more information or to sign up to volunteer visit their website at: https://makeadifferenceday.org/ or call (541) 492-3523 or email info@makeadifferenceday.org. 

 

“Thank you, Commissioners, for recognizing all of us today.  I've been here for about 2 1/2 years.  When I came to the Roseburg VA for an interview, I noticed there was this space by the gate, and I thought, “Wow, that's really pretty, I love that.  Facility management here does a good job.”  Then, I learned that there was a group that did that beautification – it was volunteers – and it was very impressive.  Then as I was walking through the facility, I learned about all of the different projects that have been done over the years and that your group (Make a Difference Day) continues to do for us and our community.  These projects serve as a way to express gratitude to our veterans while also highlighting that healthcare is ultimately experienced through the eyes of the people we serve.  Your work and your effort have made a difference on our campus.  Not too long ago, I stopped a group of people walking through the VA campus and asked why they walk through the VA, and they said, “Because it is beautiful and its safe.”  It is all thanks to Make a Difference Day and community volunteers.  So, thank you,” stated Patrick Hull, Executive Director, Roseburg VA Health Care and 2025 Make a Difference Day volunteer site location.   

 

The proclamation presented today is a reminder and encouragement for our residents to volunteer in our community, with service projects that make Douglas County a better place to live, work and play.

 

###

Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.us

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. Photos © K.Tate/Douglas County.  Individual pictures available upon request. 

Attached Media Files: 10-15-25 DC BOC Make A Difference Proclamation (1).png, 10-15-25 MDD Proclamation signed.jpg,