Make A Difference Day

3 million people improved communities nationwide on USA WEEKEND's 15th annual day of volunteering.

A POWERFUL HURRICANE could not dampen the spirits of volunteers for the 15th annual Make a Difference Day, as they came out in full force to lend support at local community centers, playgrounds and neighborhoods. They even raised funds for storm victims.

"Give yourself a round of applause for making a difference to your community and your country," first lady Laura Bush wrote in an official greeting to participants in the Oct. 22 event, which was created by USA WEEKEND Magazine with the Points of Light Foundation.

Among the many efforts:

In Bossier City, La., Apollo Elementary School fifth-graders concluded a weeklong book drive for New Orleans schools. "They're so fired up," said teacher Dawn Coker. The day's project is a fifth-grade privilege, and pupils consider it the year's highlight.

In Nashville, 90 employees from 38 First Tennessee bank branches and about 30 family members and friends stripped wallpaper, painted, loaded hay and landscaped at three non-profits.

In Washington, D.C., more than 200 volunteers finished a reclamation effort that began on Make A Difference Day 2001. Among the accomplishments in the Watts Branch Park area: A nightclub where Motown singer and D.C. native Marvin Gaye once performed transformed into a community center.

In 36 cities in 17 states, Citigroup offices hammered nails for Habitat for Humanity, cleaned up neighborhoods, and raised money for Katrina victims and other causes.

In Chicago, 32 Baird & Warner real estate offices closed for the day so employees could complete projects, including a playground renovation at a family shelter. The effort also celebrated the family-run company's 150th birthday.

Tyra Banks, syndicated talk show host, led her audiences and L.A. staff to collect professional attire for Dress for Success, a non-profit that helps disadvantaged women enter the workforce.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.