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Students, Faculty, Alumni, and Local Residents to Aid 10 Different Community Programs

New Rochelle, NY, October 16, 2001 - Sharing the spirit of giving, Iona College will join more than 200 colleges and universities and 2 million volunteers in "Make A Difference Day," a nationwide effort to help local community organizations on Saturday, October 27. The 11th annual event, sponsored by USA Weekend Magazine and the Points of Light Foundation, is expected to draw more than 300 local volunteers who will select one or more of 10 different programs serving the needs of Westchester County.

Activities will actually begin a day earlier as Iona will host a party at Spellman Hall from 11 am-1 pm on Friday, October 26, thanking people for donations of toys, puzzles, games and books for underprivileged children at the Guidance Center and Abraham House. Saturday's "Day of Assistance" will begin at 9 am in front of Spellman Hall on the main campus of the college, located at 715 North Ave. in New Rochelle. The 10 different local programs cover a broad spectrum of organizations and activities:

• Habitat for Humanity - Helping to build homes at two different sites for families in need of decent housing. Projects include painting, landscaping, installing drywall, and other construction activities.
  
• Habitat for Humanity - Assisting the creation of the new Family Services program. Opportunities include creating databases and posters and developing new concepts for the organization.
  
• New Rochelle Parks and Recreation Department - Cleaning trash and graffiti at Huguenot Park in front of New Rochelle High School.
  
• Boys and Girls Clubs of New Rochelle - Painting the recreation area and organizing equipment at the South Side branch.
  
• Abraham House - Preparing a meal and distributing toys at a home for families of incarcerated men.
  
• Desda's Grate - Creating a living space in the basement of a house for formerly homeless mothers and children.
  
• Hope Soup Kitchen - Painting the pantry and hallway leading into the kitchen.
  New Rochelle Day Nursery - Creative painting of a mural on the wall of the cafeteria.
  
• Guidance Center - Helping to organize a health clinic and building a closet and door.
  
• Green Chimneys - Escorting inner city children on a bus trip to spend a day on a farm.

Organized by the Iona College Center for Campus Ministries, "Make a Difference Day" exemplifies the school's high appreciation for service to the community.

For questions or more information please contact:
Meghan Finn
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: 914 633-2005 fax: 914 637-2711

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