Plymouth Community United Way launched its tenth annual Make a Difference Day Saturday to help senior citizens and people with disabilities in Plymouth and Canton.

The event included a continental breakfast for all volunteers. Then, each group was assigned a house and would rake the yard and clean up outside anyway they could.

Linda Chomin, Community Relations and Campaign Associate, said she spent much time recruiting volunteers. Through various techniques, she was able to find 350 volunteers this year, up from the 150 last year.

“We sent out press releases to all the different newspapers,” Chomin said. “Every time I’m in the community, I pass out flyers for the Make a Difference Day, and it was also circulated through word of mouth.”

With the state of the current economy, Chomin said, the organization understands what a little help can mean to individuals.

“I know how tough it is for people to survive,” said Chomin. “People always say, why don’t I just give to the Salvation Army? When people are in crisis, they need different agencies to help them. By giving to us, then you are giving to all of the agencies, and the money goes where it’s needed at that time. The need is really great right now so everything helps.”

Many of the volunteers felt the same passion for their work as they came out that chilly morning. Twelve-year-old Cory Roulen, who bought a leaf mower with his own money, said he has been volunteering for many years.

“It is my duty to help the community and help people because they help me out,” Roulen said. “Volunteering makes me feel good, because I know that I am helping other people feel good, and when you make somebody else feel good you also make yourself feel good.”

First year volunteer Esther Rogers said she came out because she has been blessed so much after recently moving to the area. She said that doing community work not only makes her feel good, but also gives back to the community.  

“I feel like we have been really blessed and so if we can help other people, that is great,” said Rogers.

Although this is an event geared toward helping senior citizens and people with disabilities, Chomin said the organization serves people from all walks of life. She said anyone who needs help can find it at their organization.

“Whoever calls our office or walks through our door, we try to help them,” Chomin said. "For example, we have an emergency dental fund for people who don’t have enough money, and they have an emergency dental service they need, we cover that.”

Chomin feels that the organization is powerful in the sense that they help whoever needs to be helped.

“We are just asking people for help, to help us help others,” said Chomin.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected from an earlier version that stated the event was to help veterans and senior citizens. The event was for senior citizens and people with disabilities.