The Cape Coral National Little League, or Verdow Baseball as it is now known, is gearing up for the fourth annual “Make a Difference Day” at Jason Verdow Memorial Park on Oct. 25.

Make a Difference Day is a nationally recognized day that focuses on neighbors helping neighbors, as residents in the community reach out to one another for the betterment of everyone.

The 170 kids involved in Verdow Baseball will work to beautify Verdow Memorial Park along with their parents and friends by planting, painting and cleaning. Donations of “horticulture and mulch” will be provided by the city of Cape Coral, according to organizer Lori Freed.

“We’ll be doing the tasks and working around the park,” Freed said. “And if people don’t want to work, they can make a difference by donating some blood.”

Lee Memorial Health’s Blood Mobile will be one way for people to participate in helping their neighbors without getting their hands dirty. Another unique event will be a home run derby for adults and children at $5 apiece, and Sport Clips will give haircuts for $10.

All the money raised during Make a Difference Day will be donated to the Cape Coral Caring Center.

For Freed, the idea is to beautify the park, but it is also about getting to know one’s neighbors and trying leave a mark throughout the community.

Even if someone did not lift a finger to paint or plant anything, she speculates that maybe even showing up that day might make a big difference in unexpected ways. Maybe just chatting with someone who is having a bad day, or having fun with family and friends, can make a huge impact.

“Just enjoying your family is helping to make a difference,” she said. “It’s all about meeting people, being active and being out there. And hopefully we’ll be able to recognize it and do it throughout the year.”

As an added bonus, Freed said everyone who shows up to pitch in will receive a free lunch, catered by Stevie Tomatoes, Hooters and a local pizza place that Freed has yet to name.

For more information about Make a Difference Day in Cape Coral, contact Lori Freed at 425-5060. To learn more about national Make a Difference Day, visit: makeadifferenceday.com.