Starting today, dozens of local volunteers are going to be getting their hands a bit dirty.

The dirt will stick around through Sunday, and knowing this community, a lot longer.

Saturday is national Make a Difference Day — an annual event organized by the USA Weekend publication. But some local residents just couldn’t wait another day.

A group of Girl Scouts and 4-H Club members will be visiting Kyle’s House — a place for special needs children — today.

And Saturday, other groups will hit the streets to do their part.

Just in case you haven’t already planned to make a difference this weekend, there’s still time.

The River Cities March for Babies, a March of Dimes event, begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. You can still sign up to walk — registration is at 8 a.m. — or you could just attend and donate.

The Longwood Halloween Carnival — a fundraiser for the preservation of the antebellum house — is from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

And numerous streets, empty lots, flowerbeds and properties could use a little clean up.

It’s easy to make a difference in your community, big or small. Others will be out working, donating and volunteering this weekend; will you join them?