Maple Valley and Black Diamond will be launching pads for local Make a Difference Day activities Oct. 25.

Volunteers can gather for breakfast at 8 a.m. at Maple Valley Community Center or Black Diamond Community Center and sign up for a community project. Work on the projects is expected to last until noon.

The 18th annual national event, created by USA Weekend magazine, is for families and individuals of all ages. Last year, 300 participants in Maple Valley were among a record 3 million volunteers nationwide.

The goal of Make A Difference Day projects is to improve communities and help neighbors in need. According to organizers, it’s the largest community service effort in the country, rallying corporations, government leaders, charitable organizations and everyday citizens.

In Maple Valley, the local Rotary club and the city, along with other community groups, have helped organize projects such as hauling away trash, cleaning the community center and restorting natural habitats.