Governor Issues Call to Service for 'Hands On Georgia Week'

2005 Hands On Georgia Week Scheduled for September 26 – October 1

ATLANTA – Today Governor Sonny Perdue challenged citizens to volunteer for community service to improve the quality of life in Georgia neighborhoods during Hands On Georgia Week - September 26 through October 1.

“A growing, educated, healthy and safe Georgia is not achieved by state government alone, but through a collaborative effort including volunteerism,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “Georgians are eager to help and Hands On Georgia is making it easy by coordinating a week of community service projects.”

Governor Perdue challenged Georgians to accomplish specific goals in volunteerism this year.  “For a more educated Georgia , I challenge Georgians to establish on-going reading programs and partnerships that will reach at least 5,000 children across Georgia .  For a more beautiful Georgia , I challenge Georgians to clean or renovate at least 250 parks and green spaces across Georgia .  And for a more compassionate Georgia , I challenge Georgians to create partnerships that will provide sustaining community supports for over 1,000 foster children across Georgia .”

Hands On Georgia, a statewide network that promotes volunteer services and civic engagement, has rallied almost all of Georgia's 159 counties and thousands of volunteers to 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.  The organization's broader goal is to continue volunteer momentum throughout the year.

“Hands On” projects will vary in each community.  Projects will include environmental clean ups, building restorations, wheel chair ramp construction, playground builds and tutoring sessions with children.  Signature projects are planned in the cities of Atlanta , Columbus , Dalton , Macon , Rome and Savannah , and in Dooly, Forsyth, Hall, Liberty , Thomas and Wayne Counties .  According to Hands On Georgia officials, at least 25,000 volunteers are expected to serve approximately 100,000 hours of service throughout the week.

“ Given our state's history of civic leadership, Hands On Georgia will be a shining example of the growing groundswell of volunteerism across the country,” said Eric Tanenblatt, board chairman of Hands On Georgia. “ Volunteer service lasts a lifetime, and everyone can do something.”

“Hands On Georgia is excited to enable Georgians to keep our environment healthy and beautiful, nurture those citizens in need and bring Georgians together across divisions of race, religion and economic lifestyle through the common platform of service,” said Michelle Nunn, CEO of the Hands On Network and board member of Hands On Georgia.

Georgians interested in participating in Hands On Georgia Week are encouraged to e-mail or call Hands On Georgia at info@handsongeorgia.org or (404) 979-2910.  Specific project information is available at www.handsongeorgia.org .