If, like me, you find that there aren't enough hours in the day, but you want to help your local community, what can you do?
Make a Difference Day '99 (MADD) is the answer. It takes place on Saturday, October 23 and calls on all of us to spend just a few hours volunteering locally.
It is organised by a national charity called CSV (Community Service Volunteers), and they are not asking for cash, but for some of your time.
Any activity, large or small, can make a real difference. Last year, people did everything from renovating a house for the homeless to taking their elderly neighbour out for the day.
What you do is limited only by your imagination.
Look around for your inspiration. The local community centre might need a lick of paint; the local pond could do with a clean up; or children from a nearby special school would enjoy a trip to the seaside.
This is a chance for you to give something back. In the time it takes to do the weekly shopping, you could change someone's life for the better.
This year tens of thousands of people across the country will take part, including the Prime Minister. Why not be one of them and call the MADD team free on 0800 284 533.
CHERYL BAKER
Tv presenter