Approximately 100 soldiers, civilians and family members from the Fort Stewart Medical Activity will visit with the residents of Coastal Manor Nursing Home in Ludowici from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, to celebrate Make a Difference Day.
Held annually on the fourth Saturday in October for more than 20 years, Make a Difference Day is the largest national day of community service and neighbors helping neighbors. Historically, more than 3 million people help 20 million others on this annual day of volunteering.
This year marks the sixth year Fort Stewart Medical Activity soldiers, civilians, volunteers and their families have participated in the event and their fifth year at Coastal Manor Nursing Home. The day will include a cookout, dance performances, music and other activities while visiting with residents.
“This year’s theme is the groovy ’70s,” said Brigitte Shanken, director of volunteer services at Winn Army Community Hospital. “Themes are important because they make the day fun.
“In the past we’ve done fall festivals, Halloween, westerns. This year will be easy because a lot of the residents already own ’70s attire or a tie-dyed T-shirt.” 
She added that the day is spent caring for nursing home residents in keeping with the Fort Stewart MEDDAC motto “First to Care.”