Thousands of people throughout America will take a day off to celebrate MLK Day, but for many it will not be a day off, but a day on.

Hands on Newton County is partnering with several community organizations for a day of service.

Hands On Newton and representatives from the Newton County MLK Observance Committee, Oxford College of Emory University, Georgia Perimeter College, Newton High, Eastside High, Alcovy High, and Newton County College and Career Academy worked together to identify service activities that meet a range of community needs and volunteer interests. Several activities are appropriate for families to volunteer together.

The event begins at Newton High School on Monday, Jan. 19 with sign-in at 8:30 a.m. followed by a brief inspirational message from special guest, Renelda Mack, social justice advocate and founder of Emory Cares International Service Day, at 9 a.m. Service activities will take place in locations throughout Newton County and Walton County between 9:45 a.m. and 12:30 pm. Volunteers can register for their preferred service activity at signupgenius.com/go/70a094faead2aab9-clarkston2.

For more information or if your nonprofit organization has a project that you would like to have included in the options for volunteers on Jan. 19 contact Mollie Melvin at handsonnewton@yahoo.com or 770-330-7405. Hands On Newton promotes civic engagement through volunteerism by partnering with other nonprofits and community organizations.
Current projects listed for MLK Day of Service 2015 (List will be updated as more projects develop):

Newton Trails – Oxford Trail Cleanup

Newton Trails – Porterdale Trail Cleanup

Gaither Cemetery Cleanup

Path Project – prepare teaching materials

Little Free Libraries - Refurbish

Teen Event Planning – planning for event to educate teens about risky behaviors

Hard Labor Creek Trails- Trail building

Oxford College Organic Garden – prepare garden

Horsetime – Trail building

Fairview Elementary Book Project – label books