Acting on the Governor's Call to Service, almost all of Georgia's 159 counties and thousands of volunteers will address the multifaceted needs of Georgians through a variety of service projects designed to make a difference in their respective communities the last week of September.

"A growing, educated, healthy and safe Georgia is not achieved by state government alone, but through a collaborative effort including volunteerism" explains Governor Sonny Perdue. "It is my experience that Georgians are eager to lend a hand in improving their communities and Hands On Georgia's Week of Service provides citizens an easy way to serve."

"Hands On" projects will vary from community to community, addressing the various needs of the individual communities as well as meeting the desired interests of volunteers. Projects will include environmental clean ups, building restorations, wheel chair ramp construction, playground builds and tutoring sessions with children.

Hands On Georgia will help provide the training, supplies, and recognition of jobs well done. All that is required of volunteers is a commitment to serve, a little sweat and a desire to have fun.

The Hands On Georgia Week of Service is a concentrated and designated effort to engage and empower Georgians to improve the quality of life in their communities. A broader goal is to continue that momentum throughout the years to come.

"Hands On Georgia is excited to enable Georgians to keep our environment healthy, nurture those citizens in need and bring Georgians together across divisions of race, religion and economic lifestyle through the common platform of service," says Ingrid Saunders Jones, Senior Vice President, Corporate External Affairs at The Coca-Cola Company and Hands On Georgia board member.

Hands On Georgia's affiliates in Atlanta, Columbus, Dalton, Macon, Rome/Floyd County, Savannah, Dooly County, Forsyth County, Hall County, Liberty County, Thomas County, and Wayne County have signature projects scheduled throughout the week impacting almost every facet of their communities. At least 25,000 volunteers will work together to give 100,000 hours of service throughout the week. Projects include assisting individuals in shelters, revitalizing parks, community-wide clean-ups, renovating schools, and reading to children.

Eric Tanenblatt, Hands On Georgia's board chairman says, "Given our history of civic leadership and our great state, Hands On Georgia is a shining example of the growing groundswell of civic engagement across the country. Volunteer service lasts a lifetime, and everyone can do something."

For more information on how you and fellow Georgians can positively impact your community, e-mail or call us at info@handsongeorgia.org or 404.979.2910. Additional information on Hands On Georgia is available at www.handsongeorgia.org.

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