MAKING A DIFFERENCE — Jefferson County Christian School students participated in this year’s Make a Difference Day, held Oct. 3. In addition to attending an Ohio Right to Life March in Columbus, students worked in the the flower beds of the First United Presbyterian Church in Mingo Junction. At left, those helping to weed and rake included, 10th-grader Joseph Miller, left, and 11th-grader Preston Wietrzykowski. At right, freshman Grayson Caldwell assisted in moving boxes at the village building in Wintersville. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — “These things I command you, that you love one another.”

That Bible verse comes from John 15:17 and was this year’s theme for Jefferson County Christian School students participating in Make a Difference Day.

The school had 22 students visit Columbus to attend the Ohio Right to Life March on Oct. 3.

Each junior high and high school student at the march was there to provide a voice for the voiceless, according to officials.

The remaining students at the school decided to make a difference in their own community, assisting those throughout Steubenville and Wintersville.

“Showing love for one another is lived out through serving.”

These words are what compelled students to dedicate their time and perform various tasks for local nonprofit organizations throughout the day.

Students volunteered to serve at the Aim Women’s Center, Sienna Skilled Nursing Home, the Village of Wintersville, Urban Mission, Mingo Junction First United Presbyterian Church, the Friendship Room and the their own school.

They cleaned and sanitized, moved boxes and furniture, worked in flowerbeds, prepared lunches for those who were hungry, visited and played games with elderly residents, washed and sorted baby clothes, raked leaves, recycled cardboard and vacuumed floors as their small way of showing love for others.

Students attending the non-denominational Christian school range in age from preschool pupils through 12th graders.

Rebekah Cohen-Morris, executive director of the Aim Women’s Center, stated, “Jefferson County Christian students came to help out at our center. Such servants’ hearts. We are so thankful for their kindness and willingness to serve.”

Wintersville Mayor Mike Petrella also praised the students, saying, “A big thank you to the students from Jefferson County Christian School and Administrator Jesse, for helping clean out our records room today. This teamwork is part of launching our new records retention program here in the village. Your willingness to lend a hand made a big difference. We’re so grateful for your time and effort.”