[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 57 (Thursday, April 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF THE 2012 MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY WINNERS

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                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2012

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to acknowledge the 
great work of the volunteers of Yardley, Pennsylvania, especially the 
students at Pennsbury High School who have been selected as one of the 
2012 Make a Difference Day winners. Make a Difference Day is a 
celebration of the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA 
Weekend, this annual day of service mobilizes more than three million 
volunteers to create change in their community.
  This group of outstanding volunteers from Yardley has made a 
substantial impact on their community by conducting a book drive and 
stocking the shelves of the library at the Feltonville Intermediate 
School. The leader of the project, Neha Gupta, founded Empower Orphans, 
a non-profit that has used $325,000 in donations and grants to clothe 
and feed impoverished Indian children, create a sewing center, and set 
up libraries at four different schools.
  But even within a few miles of her home in Bucks County, Neha, now 
15, sees children in need. In the months leading up to Make a 
Difference Day, Neha and a group of volunteers gathered 3,000 titles 
and bought colorful furnishings for the library. Then, on Make a 
Difference Day, the team cleaned up the library, decorated it and 
stocked the shelves. Since October's project, Neha has started an 
Empower Orphans club at her high school and plans to hold a Make a 
Difference Day Project every year.
  I want to congratulate Neha and the students of Pennsbury High School 
and thank them for their service and dedication to our community. I am 
honored to represent you in Congress.

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