Center for Student Engagement

Make a Difference Day

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY 2022

Friday and Saturday, October 21 & 22

THIS YEAR'S ACTIVITIES

As part of the 2022 Make a Difference Day events, we will have two elements of the program: an event with Gift of Life Marrow Registry on campus (Friday) and hands-on service (Saturday). We encourage students, faculty, and staff to participate in this traditional event at New Paltz. Keep reading for more details on how to participate.

Keep in touch and post photos for this year's event at #NPVolunteers

Make a Difference Day Kickoff Gift of Life 'Be the Match' Swabbing Drive

Friday, October 21, 2022
11am-3pm, Student Union MPR Pre-Function Space
 
One simple swab could change a life.
Join the Gift of Life Marrow Registry today and give hope to a cancer patient in need!
 
Every year thousands of people reach the point in their medical treatment where the only possible cure is a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant. Matching donors are usually found within the patient’s ethnic group, but because there are fewer diverse donors in the registry than needed, many patients cannot find their lifesaving match in time and may not survive.
More than 70 types of disease including blood cancer, sickle cell, and inherited immune disorders can be cured through transplants – but donors need to be in the registry to help. Today, only 45% of Hispanic/Latinx, 40% of Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 25% of Black and multi-ethnic patients can find a matching donor due to the shortage of volunteers within these groups. Those numbers can be changed, and all it takes is 10-15 seconds of swabbing your cheek to learn if you can save someone’s life. Must be between the ages of 18 and 60 to join the registry.
 
In the last two years 26 SUNY New Paltz students have successfully matched and FIVE have donated stem cells through this program! 

FORMS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SATURDAY: HANDS-ON SERVICE

HOST SITE REGISTRATION

 

STUDENT VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

As always, many people are interested in volunteering their time and the registration form will close on Wednesday, October 12 or once we receive 500 registrations, whichever comes first. Please note that we will assign students to the service agency with the greatest need.

 

Each volunteer must register individually but you can indicate if you belong with a group.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

The schedule of events is as follows. Service sites are to be determined and volunteers will be assigned to agencies with the greatest need. We will do our best to put registered groups and requests together. Many sites are outdoors and some may involve pets/animals. If you have any special needs, require accommodations, or have allergies, please make sure to note that on your online volunteer registration form or e-mail CSE@newpaltz.edu in advance.

  • Check-in and registration, 8 - 8:45a.m., Student Union MPR
  • Opening and kick-off remarks, 9 a.m.
  • Departure for service site by 9:30 a.m.
  • Return back to campus from service site, no later than 3 p.m.

SPECIAL NOTE TO VOLUNTEERS:

  • Many service sites will have outdoor activities, so dress appropriately for the weather and a variety of service activities.
  • Wear clothes you are okay getting dirty, wear layers of clothing, and good shoes/boots. DO NOT WEAR SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS.   Some sites will provide work gloves, but if you have some, bring them with you.
  • We will provide light snacks for during the day, but this is not a meal. We encourage you to pack a lunch, bring a water bottle and additional snacks.

VIEW VIDEOS OF PREVIOUS VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES:

 

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