The origins of Hands On Wayne County are a testament to how a grass roots organization can take hold and grow. After hearing Hands On Georgia Board Chair Eric Tanenblatt speak at a community gathering, Georgia Southern University Student Leah Lewis felt that the Hands On concept could easily be infused in her hometown of Jesup. Community involvement was not a new concept to the residents of Jesup and Wayne County.

Excited at the idea of bringing Hands On projects to the town, Lewis contacted Crystal Gill, downtown director of the city of Jesup, and shared her interest in implementing Hands On programming in their community. Lewis felt Wayne County could easily participate in Hands On Georgia Week and was extremely interested in the community becoming an affiliate. She offered to work with Gill to put the week of activities together. In their first year participating in Hands On Georgia Week, Wayne County coordinated 12 projects with approximately 450 volunteers who performed an estimated 1,500 hours of volunteer service.

Hands On Wayne County, through Leah's dedication, was later awarded the Hands On Georgia Remember, Celebrate, and Act Grant. With the funds, the new affiliate partnered with Rayonier to clean up and restore Martin Luther King Park. Approximately 35 volunteers performed 175 hours of work at the park.

Earlier this year, Hands On Wayne County was awarded an $8,000 State Challenge Grant to further its Hands On programming. Now under Gill's direction, Hands On Wayne County has set as one of their first goals to develop a web-based tracking system for volunteer activities. Gill is hiring a volunteer coordinator to assist in their efforts to grow as an affiliate. "We do so many volunteer activities in our community that becoming an affiliate made so much sense," said Gill. "I don't mean to boast; I am sure we could do more, but I am so proud to be part of a community that really cares about each other, our resources and our town."

According to Gill, volunteers will leave a legacy in Wayne County. "Home is where the heart is…it is in our hearts to make a difference," she said.

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