[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE E. BROWN, JR.

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. BROWN of California. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I am pleased to 
come before you today to pay tribute to the remarkable achievements of 
citizens in my home district and the County of San Bernardino.
  As the proceedings concluded last month in Philadelphia at the 
President's Summit for America's Future, those who have contributed and 
made a difference in their communities were commemorated. Through both 
community service and volunteerism, the County of San Bernardino has 
made a difference.
  Participating in the sixth annual ``Make A Difference Day,'' citizens 
of San Bernardino County defined the term intensely debated over the 
past few weeks: volunteerism.
  In answer to the challenge of Make A Difference Day, San Bernardino 
organized a project, spearheaded by Mayor Tom Minor, entitled 
``Community Cleanup: Our Fight Against Blight.'' As a result, 130 
residents from various neighborhoods came out of their houses, set 
aside differences and worked on a common goal, making their city 
better. Given the opportunity to communicate and openly express 
concerns, any neighborhood can become a better place to live. This is 
exactly what happened on October 26, 1996.
  As the fragmented lines that sometimes divide our communities along 
ethnic, social, and economic barriers were set aside, a single task 
united the County of San Bernardino.
  On October 26, up to 10,000 cars and trucks lined the streets of San 
Bernardino, all in an effort to properly dispose of 3\1/2\ tons of 
trash. In addition, 5,000 tires were collected and 2,400 gallons of 
used oil and other hazardous waste were recycled and disposed.
  Community Cleanup: Our Fight Against Blight, brought businesses, 
government, and residents together with a common goal of giving back to 
the community. This goal was realized by actions such as 16 of the 
county land fills being open free of charge, and the San Bernardino 
Refuse Department making free rounds collecting used and unwanted 
tires.
  October 26 was clearly a day when individual residents took 
responsibility and gave back to the community. The separation of 
generations had no bearing, as members of all sectors of the community 
participated. From Girl Scouts collecting trash, to senior citizens 
cleaning a 4-mile radius of rubbish, the County of San Bernardino made 
a difference. The volunteers from San Bernardino County served as a 
shining example for residents of other neighborhoods and communities. 
Their efforts were so, exemplary that they were chosen as a top 10 
winner of the sixth annual USA Weekend's ``Make A Difference Day'' 
project. The citizens of San Bernardino County have proven that when we 
come together as neighbors, under a common cause, we can truly make a 
difference.

                          ____________________