Extra Mile Day was started in 2009 by The Extra Mile America Foundation, a nonprofit organization that encourages positive attitude and action by empowering individuals, organizations, and cities to "go the extra mile" to reach their goals, and live a more self-directed life. This year over 220 mayors from all over the U.S. have declared today, as Extra Mile Day.

Today is dedicated to celebrating individuals and organizations that go the extra mile in order to make a difference and lift up others in their communities.

It is a day for everyone to renew personal commitments to going the extra mile in personal effort, volunteerism, and service, and it is a day to acknowledge and thank those around us who go the extra mile for us in everyday lives.

Going the extra mile is doing more than expected. Going the extra mile is extending ourselves in our efforts to be the best we can be and to be a positive influence on others.

Know someone who goes the extra mile? Nominate them for our Daily Point of Light Award!

Visit the HandsOn Blog today to read a guest post from Shawn Anderson, the founder of the Extra Mile America Foundation.