Governor Sonny Perdue has declared Sept. 29 - Oct. 6 as Hands on Georgia Week.

"The role of Georgia's volunteers is essential in the growth and improvement of the state's towns, cities and counties," said Perdue. "Their dedication to service helps to meet the specific needs of their communities while helping Georgia thrive as a whole. Hands On Georgia Week offers new and experienced volunteers an opportunity to serve their communities."

Perdue has encouraged Georgia volunteers to participate in activities such as reaching out to senior citizens who need assistance, maintaining the state's natural beauty and fostering an appreciation for and understanding of the importance of k-12 education.

New service organization Hands On Newton - currently operating under the Newton County Community Partnership - will join more than 30,000 volunteers of the 18 member organizations of Hands On Georgia and all 159 counties to work on the needs of their communities.

Projects for Hands on Newton's first service week include helping build a Habitat for Humanity house in the county, landscaping the grounds surrounding the After School Programs building at the Covington YMCA on Newton Drive, tutoring youth at the Washington Street Community Center and taking applications at FaithWorks to help Newton citizens who are in need of emergency assistance with rent or utility bills.

"Service is a way to give back to one's community," said Doug Bolton, Hands On Newton executive director. "It is a heartwarming and fulfilling experience - one individual's enthusiasm can spark the movement of an entire community.

"Hands On Georgia Week was created to ignite Georgians' passion to volunteer and serve their neighbors to help improve communities like Newton County."

Organizations that need volunteers to help complete projects or individuals interested in participating in community projects can contact Doug Bolton at Hands On Newton by e-mail at handsonnewton@yahoo.com or telephone at (770) 330-7405.