The weather did not cooperate, but teenagers from all along the Wasatch Front were determined to make a difference in their communities Saturday.
"Service is not about how much you do, but about how much you try to do," said Amber Hunter, 18, of Pleasant Grove.Hunter was one of about 200 Utah teens who participated in the nationwide "Make a Difference Day." The Utah Commission on Volunteers and sponsors organized the group to conduct a cleanup and beautification project along I-215 and I-80. But because of the snowfall, the kids were divided into a dozen groups and sent shopping for the Sub for Santa program.
On hand to encourage the eager volunteers were Lt. Gov. Olene Walker and Air Force Capt. Scott O'Grady, who has done a series of public service announcements promoting "Make a Difference Day."
"I don't think a guy who eats bugs to survive is much of a hero. A hero is somebody that helps somebody else," O'Grady said, recalling his diet for the six days after he was shot down over Bosnia in June 1995.
Walker was surprised at the turnout. "I am so impressed that you're here," she told the teenagers. "You as the youth have a real responsibility in making your communities better."
Most youths were not too disappointed at the change in plans.
"This is a great opportunity to help people," said Taylor Hartley, 18, of Murray. "Whenever these opportunities come up, I'm happy to help."