Saturday is Make a Difference Day, the largest national day of community service.

USA Weekend Magazine and Points of Light have joined together for more than 20 years to sponsor it.

Kelly Price’s excited second-graders at Justus Gage Elementary School couldn’t wait for the weekend, so they plunged in Thursday even before the morning announcements and Pledge of Allegiance recitation.

Their participation revolves around setting good examples for other students, helping their community by cleaning up trash in the school building  and on the playground with custodian Dennis Bacon, keeping their classroom clean and making others feel good about themselves at recess.

“The kids are thrilled about making a difference,” Price said.

“We’re going to cheer on a team” in the kickball game for MEAP students, David said.

“We’re going to help clear up the lunch room,” added Komalpreet.

“It makes me happy to be able to help Mr. Bacon and the lunch people,” Bradin said.

“I’m excited and happy,” Makayla said, “because I like to help our community and our earth and make a difference.”

“I’m happy we get to help people,” Ethan said.

“And it’s fun,” Isaac said.

Students said they think their families will be happy they are participating and it could be habit-forming.

They might want to make a difference every day.