Hands Across Rockdale is seeking applicants and volunteers during its 6th annual day of community-wide service event on Saturday, May 6, 2024. The goal is to promote volunteerism while helping those in need within Rockdale County. There is so much need that everyone can help no matter what age or skill level.

In 2016, almost 300 volunteers were placed at 15 different project sites throughout Rockdale. Organizations that benefited from the community-wide service event last year included Conyers Middle School, Haven House, Mercy Heart Clinic, Phoenix Pass, Refuge Pregnancy Center, Rockdale Cares, Salem High School, Walk of Heroes, and many more.

Hands Across Rockdale is anticipating another great year of service in 2024 where people come together through acts of kindness. They need projects from local not-for-profit organizations and schools in Rockdale County. Hands Across Rockdale encourages nonprofits and schools to submit an application for a service project that can be done in one day. Applications can be obtained online at www.handsacrossrockdale.org.

Many types of projects will be completed during the community-wide service event this year. Projects involving landscaping might include planting trees and flowers in beds, weeding, mowing yards, and laying pine straw. Interior and exterior building projects might include services such as painting, carpet cleaning, washing windows, and light repairs.

Last year Hands Across Rockdale organized large teams from the same school, church, or company into groups. There are many benefits to organizations when members can be grouped together in a project. For example, employees can increase team spirit when they share a common purpose and build work ethic as a team. And when students work on projects in their own school, it helps to increase their sense of pride.

The stories of these acts of kindness are inspiring. Denise Vojnich is coordinating the event as Co-chair this year, along with Chair Michael Hutcheson, and said, “There is one woman who volunteers every year and always wants to be outside. Last year she spent the entire day at Salem High School inspiring and energizing the kids who were doing community service for ROTC credit. It was great seeing the teamwork and pride in their work!”

The organizers will try to accommodate coordinating team projects if they know ahead of time the size of the group. Whether you are an individual or a group interested in volunteering, becoming a sponsor, or making a donation, your help in making Rockdale county a better place will be greatly appreciated. For more information, visit www.handsacrossrockdale.org.