When it comes to people who make a difference in the Miami Valley, Janaki Venkayya comes immediately to mind. Twenty-three years ago, the Beavercreek woman determined to tackle the problem of hunger and homelessness in the Miami Valley by raising awareness and funds through a one-day pancake brunch.

“I don’t think people should have to have a choice between eating and being clean,” Venkayya said. “Most of us don’t think about brushing our teeth or washing our hair and bodies, but for some people it’s a choice — do they spend the money on food or buy toothpaste for their children?”

Her first “Day of Caring” took place 22 years ago and enlisted the aid of 12 churches and 250 volunteers who served 3,000 breakfasts and raised $8,000. Now, more than two decades later, the event has become a beloved annual tradition with dozens of churches and service organizations involved. This year’s “Day of Caring” is slated for Sunday, Feb. 24, at 48 different locations.

The brunches typically include pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee, but there also are alternative menus. The Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture, for instance, will serve a kosher breakfast and there also will be a a brunch featuring Indian cuisine. Hours vary by location.

Cost of the brunch is $6 for adults, and $4 for seniors and children, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Throughout the years, more than $650,000 has been donated to the Food Bank and housing coalition. More than 10,000 volunteers have been involved in the all-volunteer effort, Venkayya said.

Last year, the “Simply Essential Hygiene Pantry” collection was added to the day.

“People are not aware that food stamps cannot be used for personal hygiene items like shampoo or toothpaste,” Venkayya said.

Venkayya has been honored as a YWCA Woman of Influence, and her project of caring has spread to Cincinnati and Indiana as well.

You can make a difference in a couple of ways: you can attend one of the Pancake Breakfasts. And you can bring along some personal care items to help the needy. The Day of Caring will feature an up-to-the-minute count of number of hygiene items collected on its website (www.dayofcaring.us), so contributors can see just what kind of impact they are making.

What they need are the basics:

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Shaving cream and razors.
• Body wash

The Hygiene Pantry is a year-round project: volunteers, monetary donations and items always are needed. Look for the bins at all of the brunch sites for your items; the rest of the year they can be taken to the Day of Caring office at 1616 Mardon Drive in Beavercreek weekdays between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information on specific Day of Caring locations, see www.dayofcaring.us or call (937) 320-1687.