Almost-Sleepover FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The United States of Community Service Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover took place in October 2011, when more than 1,200 kids in 26 states participated in community service-filled almost-sleepover events to celebrate Make a Difference Day, our nation’s largest day of community service, by shining the spotlight on worthy child-centered charities and performing community service to make a difference in communities nationwide. More than 1,200 kids in at least 26 states participated in our 2011 USCS Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover–supporting more than 100 charities nationwide.

1. What is an almost-sleepover?

An almost-sleepover is all the fun of a sleepover—partying in your PJs, singing, dancing, eating, and having fun with your friends—without the sleeping over!

2. What is Make a Difference Day?

Sponsored by USA WEEKEND magazine in partnership with HandsOn Network and supported by Newman’s Own, Make a Difference Day is our nation’s largest day of community service. Held annually on the fourth Saturday of October, Make a Difference Day is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Each year, more than 3 million people across the country participated in Make a Difference Day events. Make a Difference Day is the culmination of GenerationOn’s Make Your Mark Week!

3. What was The United States of Community Service Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover?

The United States of Community Service Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover took place in October 2011, when kids nationwide hosted Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover events—shining the spotlight on worthy charities and performing community service to make a difference in communities nationwide. Built on Connecticut friends Delaney, Addie , Willow, Rosalie, Marlah, Sophie and Isabel’s 2010 National Make a Difference Day Award-winning almost-sleepover, and sparked by New York friends who successfully replicated the award-winning idea in their own community, this kid-powered nationwide community service event was the first project created by The United States of Community Service, Inc.

More than 1,200 kids in at least 26 states made a difference for more than 100 charities nationwide by celebrating Make a Difference Day with USCS Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepovers in 2011!

4. What is The United States of Community Service, Inc.?

The United States of Community Service, Inc. (USCS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children to make a difference in their community, their nation and their world by providing opportunities for children to get involved in community service and working with and supporting the efforts of other child-centered nonprofit organizations.

5. Is there room for more than one Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover in each state each year?

Absolutely! The more almost-sleepovers, the more children empowered, the more communities involved, the more charities helped…and the more of a difference we can make in the world. And that’s what a Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover is all about!

6. How small is too small for a Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover?

All it takes is a handful of pajama-clad friends working on a community service project on Make a Difference Day for your event to be considered a Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover. The purpose of a Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover is to get kids involved in community service. Period. We’re not counting heads—we’re counting community spirit!

7. How big is too big for a Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover?

Large group or small, girls or boys, elementary-school-age kids or high school seniors, a Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover is the perfect way for scout troops, after-school club members, youth groups, homeschool groups, birthday party hosts, sports teammates, families, church groups, friends, school club members, entire schools or entire towns—for anybody and everybody—to join together to make a difference in their community. How big is too big? The sky’s the limit!

8. How do I get involved in this nationwide kid-powered community service event?

Want to get involved? It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

Step 1: Click here for our DIY Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover Kit, which includes step-by-step instructions, tips and “top 10” community service projects and activities lists to help you plan and execute your own super-successful Make a Difference Day Almost-Sleepover.

Step 2: Get your kids involved!

Step 3: Choose your charity—and you’re on your way!