Photos: Michigan Tech students volunteer for "Make a Difference Day" projects in Hancock

HANCOCK -- Michigan Tech student groups volunteered for several "Make a Difference Day" projects in Hancock on Saturday, Oct. 26. Despite the cold temperatures and a fairly windy day, they seemed to enjoy the fresh air and exercise -- cleaning up leaves, debris and trash in several neighborhoods and even helping Gromit the Trail Mutt and her crew with bridge repair on Maasto Hiihto Trails.

Proudly displaying their bags of trash and leaves collected along White Street and Shafter Street in Hancock are these Michigan Tech students -- members of the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of African American Men, the Society of Intellectual Sisters, and the African Students' Association. (Photos by Keweenaw Now, unless otherwise indicated)

Alpha Gamma Delta members work on their leaf-raking project along Hancock Street.

Alpha Gamma Delta members and friends pause for a photo during their "Make a Difference Day" project.

Three more members of Alpha Gamma Delta display their bag of leaves collected near the Holiday Station on Hancock Street. Pictured here are, from left, Nicole Intzi (environmental engineering), Brianne Anderson (mechanical engineering) and Sara Schram (scientific and technical communication).

Gromit the Trail Mutt was delighted to have a group of Sigma Tau Gamma students to help with trail work at Maasto Hiihto for "Make a Difference Day" Saturday. "We couldn't have got this done without their help!" she writes on her blog. For more of Gromit's photos visit trailmuttreports.blogspot.com.

Saturday, Oct. 26, in Hancock: Enjoy Firemen's Pancake Breakfast; volunteer for Make a Difference Day

HANCOCK -- The Hancock Fire Department will host their 20th Annual Firemen's Pancake and French Toast Breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at the Hancock American Legion, 1320 Quincy St., Hancock.

Tickets are $5 for adults. Children under 6 are free.

Make a Difference Day: Saturday, Oct. 26

Saturday, Oct. 26, is also Make a Difference Day, the largest national day of volunteerism. The City of Hancock offers residents a chance to volunteer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for a cleanup project. Meet at 417 Quincy St., site of the Hancock Tori -- in front of Finlandia's building (former Middle School) on the Quincy Green.

Bring your work gloves and rakes. Trash bags and recycle bags provided. For more information contact Deb Mann at damannpa@yahoo.com.

UPDATE: Volunteers who can help with trail work at Maasto should also meet at the Quincy Green at 10 a.m.

Gromit the Trail Mutt supervises volunteers doing recent bridge work at Maasto Hiihto's Swedetown gorge. (Photo © and courtesy Trail Mutt Reports)

"From there we'll venture into Swedetown gorge to fill cribbing at the middle bridge and at the Dam meadow one," says Arlyn Aronson, Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club chief of bottle washing. "Of course you can come later if you know where these are. If enough people show up we'll do both at the same time."

Please wear work type shoes or rubber boots if you have them and work gloves.

Gromit hopes to see you there!

Michigan Tech opportunities for Make a Difference Day

Want to make a contribution to Make a Difference Day, Saturday, Oct. 26, but too busy? Help the Phi Sigma Biological Honors Society by dropping off needed items, which will be delivered to the Copper Country Humane Society.

Drop-off locations are the Hamar House (next to Fisher) and Biological Sciences Office (Dow 740) from now until Friday, Oct. 25.

Needed items are non-clumping litter, cat toys and treats, durable dog toys, leashes, towels and blankets, pet beds, dish soap, laundry soap, bleach and office paper.

More opportunities:

Michigan Tech students, faculty and staff will lend a hand within the local community during the annual Make A Difference Day event on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Volunteer opportunities range from raking and trail clearing to wood splitting and dog walking. Last year, more than 400 Michigan Tech students volunteered for an event, and more are expected to participate this year.

The event focuses on students, but there are a number of Make a Difference Day events being hosted by the community that are open to everyone. Students can register online at Involvement Link.

Local alumni and friends are invited to register for an Alumni Relations volunteer event.