Fifteen-year-old Madison Pixley of rural Dexter is one of several local residents who is "Making a Difference" in the lives of others through special projects in October. Pixley's work with Shriner's will be the focus of a "Making a Difference" story later this month.

There are likely as many methods of making a positive difference within our community as there are residents, and the Regional Healthcare Foundation, with cash prizes in the balance, is challenging both youngsters and adults locally to implement some of those ideas during the month of October, which has been designated as Make a Difference Month nationally.

Modeled after the national effort, the month will be devoted to a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors, according the Regional Foundation's director, Diane Mitchell, who is spearheading the challenge.

"Projects can last a day, a weekend, a week, or the entire month or even through the end of the calendar year," Mitchell explains.

Judges from outside the county will be selecting a first place winner in each of six categories that include schools, business and industry, churches, organizations, families, and individuals.

"A $200 cash prize will be presented to the winner in each category and then an overall prize of $500 cash will be given to the project coordinator that is selected by the judging panel as the best," Mitchell says.

A brief 200 word (or less) description of projects, with accompanying photos if possible, will be accepted up until 5 p.m. on Nov. 14 to be included in the selection. Prizes will be awarded in early December.

Some projects to make a difference are already underway, according to Mitchell, one of which involves a Dexter High School student, Madison Pixley. Pixley, who was born missing one arm, recently attended a "Hand Camp" sponsored through the Shriner's organization and was inspired to begin a fundraising campaign to assure that every youngster who wishes to attend the 2009 Shriner's Hand Camp will be provided that opportunity. A complete story on Pixley's efforts will appear in an upcoming edition of The Statesman.

Mitchell sees the Make a Difference Day project as one with considerable potential for growth throughout the county in the future.

"This year's challenge will serve as a pilot in the Dexter community," she says, "but hopefully will expand in 2009."

"There are some inspirational ideas out there," says Mitchell, "and Madison's is just one example of how we can each make a difference in the lives of others. Efforts can involve anything from cleaning up yards for shut-ins or the elderly, to planting trees at the city parks to raising funds for worthwhile efforts. The ideas are endless."

The Daily Statesman welcomes residents to contact the paper with their project ideas in order to be focused upon in October. Further ideas and inspirations are available on the website, www.makeadifferenceday.com.

The Regional Healthcare Foundation is located at 215 W. Grant Street in Dexter. Further information regarding the Make a Difference campaign may be obtained by calling 573-624-1607.