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TRENTON — On most days, people might not willingly pick up trash, rake yards or wash cars, but there is one day each year that hundreds of residents get together to do just these things.

It's Trenton's Make a Difference Day. Now in its eighth year, the community event kicks off on Saturday. The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the civic center on 11 E. State St.

Participants may register

at 8:30 a.m. that day.

"It's the largest day of volunteerism in the nation," said Trenton Mayor Rhonda Freeze, who brought the project to Trenton after she was elected to city council.

Participants will be able to plant flowers and clean up at the Community Park, paint fire hydrants throughout the city, pick up litter, rake yards for the elderly and/or disabled, distribute community resources and health information to residents, collect items for children going into foster care, wash and wax police and fire vehicles and bring unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots.

To register to donate blood, e-mail Stephinecarper@aol.com or call (513) 379-9002. The community Blood Center will operate their mobile Unit.

Word of mouth has kept the event popular in Trenton, Freeze said.

"Our average participation equals 250 people. Most of those are youth. In years past, we've done things like paint 550 fire hydrants on that day. One year, we installed a volleyball court in the community park," she said.

The event has become so well-known in Trenton, Freeze often is asked about it.

"It's truly a day of giving, working arm-in-arm with your neighbor to make a difference. Throughout the year children will stop me and ask if they can help again with make a difference day, Freeze said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.