From Our Chairman

Hurricane Katrina’s destruction along the Gulf Coast has ignited a new spirit of volunteerism across the country. Here in Georgia, citizens have joined the nation in donating funds and caring for local evacuees. Hands On Georgia is partnering with many local and national agencies to offer assistance to our southeastern neighbors and those who have found refuge in Georgia. In the coming weeks, we will post projects and other ways to volunteer for disaster relief efforts. Please check www.handsongeorgia.org for updated information.

The aftermath of the hurricane underscores the need for organized volunteer efforts in Georgia. Hands On Georgia has started a network of affiliates that can quickly respond to disasters or everyday local needs. As we begin our second year, the need for Hands On Georgia’s resources has been magnified.

Hands On Georgia Week 2005 begins Monday, September 26th, runs through October 1st and includes large scale projects from Hands On Georgia affiliates as well as projects in almost all of Georgia’s 159 counties.

Just one month later, at the Georgia Conference on Service & Volunteerism in Macon, we will showcase our state’s successful community service and volunteerism programs, and offer training and assistance to Georgians who serve and volunteer in their communities.

Also, in this issue we feature some other exciting developments in the Hands On Georgia family…we welcome one of our newest affiliates, Hands On Forsyth, and salute one of our key corporate sponsors, The Home Depot, which is leading a nationwide Corporate Month Of Service in September.

I encourage you to volunteer with us at one of our events in the coming months, and look forward to seeing the positive effects that increased volunteerism has on Georgia. If you would like to get involved, or have suggestions for how Hands On Georgia can help make an impact on your community, please e-mail us at info@handsongeorgia.org.

Best regards,

Eric Tanenblatt
Chairman

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