LEWISTON – At the suggestion of Mayor Lionel C. Guay Jr., the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council is joining the annual “National Make a Difference Day” initiative.

On Saturday, Oct. 28 at the start of the local 1 p.m. football game between Lewiston High School and Edward Little High School, members of the youth council will be at the entrance of Franklin Pasture field collecting stuffed animals for community children.

Termed the “Stuffed Animal Drop,” containers will be available for game attendees to donate new or “gently used” stuffed animals that the youth council, in partnership with the Lewiston Recreation Department, plan to deliver to such places as the Grieving Children and Teens Program, Advocates for Children, Androscoggin County Head Start, the Lewiston Fire Department, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Central Maine Medical Center and the Abused Women’s Advocacy Project.

Council Chairwoman Ally Beaucage said, “The youth council thought that perhaps a stuffed animal would be a great way to make a difference in the lives of children who may be going through a tough time or perhaps just needing something to hug or play with.”

When hearing of the youth council’s response to his suggestion, Guay said, “The youth council is once again making a positive effort to enhance this community and the lives of its residents.”

Celebrated every year on the fourth Saturday of October, Make A Difference Day has become the nation’s largest day of volunteering. For more information on the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, residents may visit www.ci.lewiston.me.us/lyac.