Volunteer Loudoun came together to celebrate Make a Difference Day at the Leesburg Armory on Saturday.

Board of Directors Mary Maddox said that 57 Loudoun County schools and 150 volunteers, residents and businesses connected with local nonprofits during the event. They were able to learn about each group's mission while helping with meaningful service projects.

Quilts were made for disabled veterans, ribbons were tied for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and thank you gifts were put together for The Loudoun Free Clinic’s medical staffers.  More than 22,000 pounds of food was collected for Loudoun Interfaith Relief’s food pantry, organizers said.

Seeking to change lives and strengthen communities through volunteerism, Volunteer Loudoun provides information, training, recognition and the coordination of needs and resources for volunteers and nonprofits.  For more information about Volunteer Loudoun and volunteer opportunities in the county, visit volunteerloudoun.com.