Yesterday, Saint Louis University faculty, staff and students had the opportunity to sign and volunteer as part of Make A Difference Day.

The volunteers pledged to join more than a million people all over the United States for “a day of service and reflection” on Sat., Oct. 23.

SLU’s Make A Difference Day is co-organized by the Community Outreach Center and the Community Service Team.

“We’re really fired up [especially after last year’s success],” said Bernie Schaefer, director of the COC and chair of the CST.

Approximately 500 Saint Louis University students, staff and faculty took part in 1998, and participation should be equal or better this year.

Sophomore Julie Breuer volunteered during last year’s Make a Difference Day and recommends this year’s event to anyone able to participate.

“I had such an incredible experience just taking six hours out of my day and devoting it to others,” Breuer said.

This year’s events will commence at 9 a.m. at the Billiken Sports Center, where all volunteers will participate in a prayer service and rally.

Volunteers will reach their project sites around 10 a.m. and remain until 3 p.m.

Locations range from a Habitat for Humanity building site, to the Special Olympics to St. Vincent’s Home for Children.

In total, there are more than 50 service sites already planned. Participants can request the kind of site they would prefer, choosing from the following categories: Children, Homeless, Disabled, Abuse/Addiction, Elderly, Building Repair, Medical Illnesses and Women’s Issues.

However, there is no guarantee that everyone will be matched with their first choice.

For those who missed sign-up day, residence halls have team sign-up sheets for each floor and many student organizations are forming service teams.

Participants can assemble their own team of friends or sign up as an individual and be placed with a group.

Registration forms can be picked up at the Community Outreach Center in room 310 of the Busch Memorial Center.

Students can also register online at the Community Outreach Center’s web page, located under “Student Life/Services” on SLU’s home page.

There is no official deadline for Make A Difference Day registration.

The Saint Louis University Community Outreach Center supports and reflects the University’s Jesuit mission of “forming men and women for others.”