Woodlawn school fifth-grader Chaske Frank, right, plays with Shawn Patton, 1, during an early celebration of Make a Difference Day at the Ballard Community Center. The day, slated for Saturday, was created by USA Weekend magazine to emphasize volunteering.

Children at Ballard Community Center made some new friends on Monday afternoon. Fifth-graders from Woodlawn School volunteered their time at the early education program as part of Make a Difference Day.

Taking place annually on the fourth Saturday of October, Make a Difference Day is a national event created by USA Weekend magazine with a focus on helping others and one’s community. Millions of people from across the country are expected to participate this Saturday through various projects and activities.

Woodlawn fifth-grade teacher Irene Upson saw participation in Make a Difference Day as a great teaching opportunity for her students.

“We’re trying to do more community service,” Upson said. “I’m really trying to get them to think outside of themselves, and to think about other people and how their actions reflect on other people.”

Kristal Annett, lead teacher at Ballard, was more than happy to have the extra help with her young charges.

“It’s great,” Annett said. “The children love it, and there’s plenty for them do.”

Students divided into five groups and participated in a number of interactive games and activities. Building blocks, dinosaurs, computer games and sing-alongs were all part of the fun and excitement.

Fifth-graders Skye Yoder and Becca Neuhaus said they were glad to spend some time lending a helping hand at Ballard, which serves preschool-age children.

“It makes me happy,” Skye said. “We have fun with them.”

“I was excited because I like helping little kids a lot,” Becca said.

Students and staff even got to dress up for the day’s activities.

“We asked them if they wanted to dress as their hero,” said Upson, who was dressed in military uniform in honor of her grandfather. “It had to be someone factual, couldn’t be Superman or anything like that.”

The ultimate hope is that the day’s activities leave a lasting mark on the students.

“Hopefully as they get older they’ll be more involved in the community and be able to make things a little bit better every year,” Upson said.