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May 11, 2022

Project Impact Summer Service Camp 2022

Student Hands On Thomas County is proud to present Project IMPACT Summer Service Camp! A week of fun and hands-on volunteer service.

June 6-10, 2022 from
8:30am – 3:00pm.
Open to rising 6-9th graders

Students may earn up to 20 community service hours for their participation (pending prior approval from their school) that may be applied to the upcoming school year. Click here to print the camper registration forms.

We’re currently working on exciting and fun projects for 2022. Wonder what we do? Click here to read about (and see pictures of) our most recent week of camp and click here to see a sample schedule.

TEACHERS! Help your students get a head start on their community service hours, download a printable camp flyer to distribute to your class.

VOLUNTEERS! We need you to help make this program possible! If you are interested in being a youth (16+) or adult counselor, click here for an application.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Fee is $100 and includes a t-shirt.
Application, release, pledge, and payment* must be received to secure your spots. No holds.
DON’T WAIT! Space is limited and fills quickly.

**To register, forms and payment* may be:**

MAILED TO:
PO Box 252
Thomasville, GA 31799

DROPPED OFF:
120 East Monroe Street
(if closed, leave in
black mailbox)

EMAILED.

Questions?
Call 226-5200.

*To pay with credit card, click here. Please add $6 per camper to your fee for processing, and include your camper(s) name(s) in Notes.

Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors:
1915 South/Ashley HomeStore, Belazul, Check-Mate Industries, Flowers Foods, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Kadel,
Dr. & Mrs. Philip Watt, and the Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation for making volunteer
programs and events like these possible.

May 10, 2022

Volunteer Week 2022 Recap

April was National Volunteer Month and we celebrated to the fullest during Thomas County’s very own Volunteer Week April 16-23, presented by Check Mate Industries! Over 840 individuals joined us throughout the week at select volunteer opportunities and as we recognized the many Hands On Heroes at Cheers For Volunteers! Take a look at the highlights and pictures below.

Volunteer Week is a celebration of volunteer service and the many people who make good things happen in our community! We were excited to start the week doing just that by planting roses at the City of Thomasville Pocket Park located at the corner of Smith and Hansell Street! Fifteen individuals came together on Saturday, April 16 to plant roses, graciously given to us by Flowerwood Nursery, in honor of our wonderful volunteers and sponsors. This project brightened & beautified this little spot in town so be sure to drive by and check them out!

This same day, volunteers headed to the Pavo Peacock Center in Pavo to join forces with the Pavo Manna Group to fight hunger! A little over a dozen volunteers sorted, bagged, and distributed more than 500 bags of food which included an assortment of breads, beans, frozen meats, and canned goods to over 204 individuals! We are so proud of the Pavo Manna Group and HOTC volunteers for working so hard, all while dodging the rain!

On Tuesday, April 19, we celebrated our Hands On Heroes (aka volunteer heroes) at our 9th annual Cheers For Volunteers awards and reception at the Ritz Amphitheater. A good time was had by all – so much we had to write another post, which you can read here.

Throughout the week, volunteers participated in rose-themed projects in honor of the City of Thomasville’s 101st Rose Show & Festival such as Rocks and Roses which saw over 30 volunteers who painted and hid rose show related rocks around places like the Big Oak, Paradise Park, The Ritz Amphitheater, Cherokee Lake, and along Downtown. It was neat seeing the rocks made, especially the ones found on the Thomasville Rocks FB page. School groups and individuals also made flower bouquets filled with paper roses and rose boutineers which were given to local residents at The Residence of Oak Grove and Scott Senior Center. The seniors were so happy to receive the beautiful handmade flowers. Take a look at the pics below!

Also throughout the week, volunteers beautified their community by picking up litter and lending a hand at our local food bank Second Harvest. Volunteers also served at the Cherokee Lake Pollinator Garden by pulling invasive weeds as well as helping around the barn at Hands & Hearts For Horses.

We ended the week with some fun at the 101st annual Rose Show Parade themed “Where Roses Reign, New Traditions Bloom“. It was fun having a few of our Hands On Heroes on board as they put on their best parade wave down Broad Street.

All in all, it was a great Volunteer Week and we are proud of our community’s response to this event! We honestly can’t say it enough – THANK YOU to all of our volunteers, sponsors, and donors who make this such a great community to be a part of. We couldn’t do it without you!

Don’t miss the next one! Stay up-to-date
by visiting our Daily Opportunities Calendar
and liking our Facebook page.

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Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors: 1915 South/Ashley, Belazul, Check-Mate Industries, Flowers Foods, Mr. & Mrs Clint Kadel, and Dr. & Mrs. Philip Watt for making volunteer programs and events like these possible.

March 16, 2022

Volunteer Week 2022

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Check-Mate Industries

April is National Volunteer Month! Join us for Thomas County’s very ownVolunteer Week – April 16-23 as we celebrate volunteer service and the many people who make good things happen in our community! During this annual event – always the week before Rose Show – you have the opportunity to choose from select in-person and DIY volunteer opportunities (see below) PLUS you’re invited to Cheers For Volunteers, our annual awards and reception for our Hands On Heroes, now back at The Ritz Amphitheater!

We are truly thankful to all of our volunteers, sponsors, non-profits, and agencies who make this such a great community to be a part of. Together we can really make a difference!

Stay up-to-date on further opportunities, updates and “shout-outs” by liking our Facebook page!

Sign Up To Volunteer Limited Spaces. First Come/First Served

April 16
9 – noon
Ages 10+

Manna Drop

Sort, pack, and distribute staple food items in Pavo.

April 16
9am – 12pm
Ages 10+

Plant Roses

Help plant roses in honor of volunteer service.

DIY
April 16 -23
All Ages!

Pick Litter

Beautify your community by picking up litter.

DIY/Grab & Go
Until 4/20
All Ages!

Make Roses

Make rose bouquets and boutonnieres for senior care residents.

Students!
10 items = 1 hr
(max 3)

Toiletry Drive

Donate travel-size items for local human service agencies.

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DIY
HIDE BY 4/21
All Ages!

Rocks & Roses

Paint and hide rose themed rocks in honor of the Rose Festival.

Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors:
1915 South/Ashley, Belazul, Check-Mate Industries, Flowers Foods, Mr. & Mrs Clint Kadel,
and Dr. & Mrs. Philip Watt for making volunteer programs and events like these possible.

GIVE ME SPACE HERE PLEASE

OTHER HAPPENINGS

Click the pic to sign up directly through these organizations

Pollinator Garden

4/16 from 9:00a – 1:00p

Hands & Hearts for Horses

4/16 from 2:30p – 4:00p

Second Harvest

4/19-21 from 3:30p – 4:30p

THANK YOU FOR BEING A COMMUNITY OF VOLUNTEERS!

March 14, 2022

See Our Latest News

See what we’re up too! View our most recent newsletter and email update — both chock full of the latest and greatest volunteer news and opportunities. Want to stay up-to-date on all volunteer happenings? Join our e-mail list! Fill out your name and email under ‘Get Email Updates’ located on the left sidebar. Thanks!

2022 Winter/Spring Newsletter

Click to view

Latest Email Update

Click to view

January 28, 2022

MLK Service Day 2022 Recap

It was a wonderful start to the new year as we honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 17. More than 506 volunteers participated on this national and federal holiday through service projects that focused on literacy, hunger, human services, and unification.

Check out the project highlights and photos below.

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small
things in a great way.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

It was a beautiful morning to serve our community as members from Delta Theta Sorority, along with other individuals and families, came together to sort, pack, and distribute bags of free food staples to help feed our neighbors in need. Over 85 households received items such as beef stew, grapefruit juice, canned vegetables, and nearly 10lbs of frozen meat (bacon, ham, chicken, etc.) from our partner, Second Harvest!

Our Project Warmth collection drive was a huge success! We collected 126 beanies, 500 pairs of socks, 28 pairs of gloves, and 50 no-sew scarves which were distributed to Fountain of Life Rescue, DogTagSS, First Option Care, 3R Ministries, Vashti, and other local human service agencies to keep our friends and neighbors warm through these winter days and nights. Thank you to the members of the Thomasville High School National Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (from Thomasville and Moultrie), and so many others for making this new project so grand!

We also had a great response with our Book Drive. More than 396 new and gently used books were donated and given to our local youth organizations like the MNW Boys and Girls Club. We even have enough used books to fill all of Rotary’s Little Free Libraries around town!

The Meigs Literacy Fair and Read-A-Thon took place at the Meigs Community Center and had over 29 volunteers who dressed up as their favorite book character and read to over 50 kids in attendance! Many thanks to our fellow HOTC Board Member, Joe Cargile with Whitehurst, Blackburn, and Warren for delivering pizzas to top off the day!

Even though we were sad to see the MLK Humantarian Festival postponed until February, we were very happy to see that over 25 volunteers participated in the MLK Faith Walk to show unity for our community. This month-long event took place as a DIY/virtual project and we were glad to see the impact it had for MLKs dream of peace, justice, and equality.

We can’t thank our sponsors, volunteers, non-profits, and groups enough for coming together on this day in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.

Don’t miss the next one!
Stay up-to-date by visiting our Daily Opportunities Calendar and liking our Facebook page.

Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors:
1915 South/Ashley HomeStore, Belazul, Check-Mate Industries, Flowers Foods, Mr. & Mrs Clint Kadel,
Dr. & Mrs. Philip Watt, and The Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation for making volunteer
programs and events like these possible.

November 29, 2021

MLK Service Day 2022

On this national day of service, Americans of every age and background honor Dr. King through service projects that reflect the basic tenets of his life’s work: eradicating hunger and poverty, promoting literacy and education, improving and beautifying community spaces, and empowering people to make a positive difference in their own community. Learn more here.

Join Student Hands On Thomas County on Monday, January 17 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, in order to incorporate partner projects, there are several ways and days to participate from December 12 – January 31. Scroll down to learn more.

Registration for virtual, DIY, and in-person projects opens in December. If you would like to register a group of 10 or more, please contact our office at (229) 226-5200 or email us. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

To see pictures from last year’s MLK Service Day, click here; or find more pics on Facebook.

REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER
AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROJECT SITES:

Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Thank you!

Click buttons to learn more or sign up for a volunteer opportunity.

Book Drive

DIY for all ages

Donate a new book to HOTC. Deadline extended to noon on 1/17!

Manna Drop

For ages 10+
In-person on 1/15

Sort, pack, and distribute food to neighbors in need.

Project Warmth

DIY for all ages
Items Due 1/17

Donate socks and hats to give warmth this winter.

vMLK Project

For ages 12+
Virtual on 1/17

Experience a simulation of one of Dr. King’s speeches then share your “idea whose time has come.”

Literacy Fair & Read-A-Thon

For all ages
In-person on 1/17

Dress as your favorite book character and read your favorite chapter to kids.

Crafts For A Cause

DIY for all ages
Items Due 1/17

Knit, crochet or make “no-sew” scarves which will be donated to local human service agencies.

The 12th Annual MLK Faith Walk & Humanitarian Festival is hosted by Restoration Tabernacle.

Learn more here.

MLK Faith Walk

For ages 16+
Virtual – Extended now through 1/31

Help track steps and send reminders for this annual event.

Send Email to Volunteer

MLK Festival

For ages 12+
This in-person event has been postponed until February

Help with set-up, programs, and vendors for this annual event.

Event Postponed

CAN’T VOLUNTEER
OR WANT TO DO MORE?

Be a part of these virtual and DIY events extended from now until January 31!

Hosted by Restoration Tabernacle.

Now through 1/31

*Walk for health and unity. Win weekly prizes! All ages.

Deadline 12/17

High school and college students can receive a stipend for school.

Enter the Essay Contest

1/6/2022

Provide your input on community unification. All ages.

Virtual Town Hall

*Up to 2 service hours will be offered for the DIY Walk!
Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Thank you!

Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors, The Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation, and all of our donors and sponsors for making volunteer programs and events like these possible.

October 6, 2021

Family Volunteer Day 2021

WE’RE SORRY, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Families of all shapes and sizes – work, school, church, friends – are invited to Family Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteer at project sites geared to strengthen bonds, create shared experiences, and lasting memories through community service. If you consider them family, so do we! Volunteering on your own? The more the merrier! We are all a part of one big, happy volunteering family!

Our volunteer opportunities will honor Veterans Day. Sign up to volunteer for one or more projects: DIY Holidays For Heroes, DIY Veterans Day Posters, or the DIY Veterans Day Parade. Make it a full morning of service in honor of service men and women.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. Check back for more opportunities as the day draws closer. If you would like to register a group of 10 or more, please contact our office at (229) 226-5200 or email us.

To see pictures from last year’s Family Volunteer Day, click here; or find more pics on Facebook.

DIY Holidays for Heroes

For all ages!
9:30am-12:30pm

Make cards for service men and women as part of this national program of the American Red Cross.

DIY Veterans Day Parade

For all ages!
9:30am line up time

Decorate your street-legal vehicle, then join our DIY parade in support of those who have served.

DIY Veterans Day Posters

For all ages!
9:30am-12:30pm

Make posters in honor of Veterans, then hang your completed project at select downtown businesses.

WE’RE SORRY THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Register online to volunteer at any site on Family Volunteer Day,

and receive a free HOTC tshirt (Sizes as available. While supplies last).

Can’t make it November 6?
Or want to do MORE to honor and support our veterans?

November 11 at 11am
Flag ceremony at the old Thomas County Courthouse in honor of Veterans Day.

November 13
Volunteer atVet Festbenefiting DogTagSS.
CLICK HERE for info

November 14
Veterans Day 5K Race
& 1K Fun Run

Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors, The Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation, and all of our donors and sponsors for making volunteer programs and events like these possible.

June 9, 2021

Day 3 – Project Impact 2021

Wednesday was all about our local senior citizens. We had one goal for the day: lots of smiles! After seeing so many happy faces (from both seniors and campers), it was clear we achieved just that… all while 3 feet apart!

Scroll down for pictures!

Our morning was spent at Providence Plaza completing a random act of kindness – porch plants for the residents. First task: plants! The campers gathered their materials (soil, trowels, flowers, notecards) and got down to business. Working together, they repotted over 100 flowers, each with a special handwritten note! We must say… we were quite impressed with their gardening (and note) skills! Next task: porches! Once the flowers were finished, and after a much-needed water break, we split into groups and placed a plant on each of the resident’s porches. Several of the residents had smiles and thanked us for making their day. Smile goal complete!

After lunch at Balfour Park, we headed to our next project site, Legacy Village at Plantation Manor, an assisted living community for seniors. Even though the heat had most of us exhausted, we powered together to complete the many tasks at hand. We picked up sticks and pinecones, made smiles cards and memory collages, pulled vines (which surprisingly many enjoyed), and planted even more plants – this time in-ground and with the help of one of the residents! Speaking of residents, many of them were watching from the inside and giving us lots of thumbs up and smiles. Goal complete once more!

THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, volunteers, non-profits, and groups who support our volunteer events and programs, especially our Diamond Level (and above) Sponsors Ashley HomeStore, New Hire Solutions, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Chubb, Mr. & Mrs. Howell L. Ferguson, Ms. Diane W. Parker, and Dr. & Mrs. Philip C. Watt; as well as the Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation for helping to make youth programs like this possible.

Click any picture to see full image...

May 7, 2021

Cheers For Volunteers 2021

What a super night we had on Tuesday, April 20 as we honored our local volunteer Hands On Heroes at our 8th annual Cheers For Volunteers at the Big Oak. Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us!

Hands On Heroes is an annual program to recognize outstanding volunteer efforts in our community. More than 60 nominations were submitted by non-profit agencies and community leaders in student, individual, and group categories. Award winners, as well as honorable mentions were selected by a committee based, not just on hours served, but also for their inspiration, commitment, impact, passion, and leadership.

Each nominee received a certificate, a bag of goodies, and their very own Hands On Hero cape compliments of Everfan! Selected winners also received a Hands On Heroes awards, and the student winner received a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship. On behalf of our partners, HOTC is proud to recognize theses very special volunteers who shine brightly in the eyes of local non-profit agencies and community members as Hands On Heroes. Take a look at the winners and photos of the evening below.

2021 Hands On Heroes Award Winners

Individual Category – Volunteers 18+ who serve independently in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Award Winner – Mr. Pat Christopher
Patriotism runs strong in our community, but unfortunately, there is little actual assistance for veterans in our community. Pat, who has a military background, not only believes all of our veterans deserve respect and dignity in return for their service, but works tirelessly to ensure it happens. Since 2015, Pat has been the Chairman of Dog Tagss, a group originally formed in Thomasville as a veterans’ home, which has now pivoted to a resource center run by volunteers to help veterans who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness, not just in Thomas County, but throughout southwest Georgia. His leadership and efforts help provide food, rent, utilities, clothing, and emotional support. Often personally going out into the community, and unfortunately, often into the streets, to find and assist hundreds of veterans in need each year. For this, we salute you! As our 2021 Award Winner, Pat received an award, and a $250 donation to DogTaggs.

Individual Category Honorable Mention – Rose Marie Robbins, Ellen Henderson

Congratulations also these Individual Nominees: Akoshua Williams, Barbara Johnson, Cheryl Walters, Christine Santos, Cynthia Anderson, Dale Millere, Dawn Phinazee Allen, Dr. Craig Wolff, Ginny Howard, Gretchen Stephens, Jacqueline Knight, Janice Hill, Janice Rauls, Jay Flowers, Jeffery Sigala, Keyla Sigala, Jodi Merritt, Kathy Pipken, Lindsay Leverette, Mary Beth Donalson, Megan Henderson, Melissa Artz, Nancy Tillinghast, Orangie James-McCraw, Rich Curtis, Sandra Crimley-Bell, Shelba Sellers, Tim Hobbs, Valerie West, Wayne Adams, and Wendy Beatty.

Special Lifetime Achievement Award – Mrs. Aldrena Williams
Aldrena is a long-time resident and volunteer in Meigs. She has a heart for service which extends beyond herself. Her efforts not only benefit the entire Meigs community, but specifically she acts as a mentor for hundreds of youth through the Virtuous Girls Group of Meigs. For more than 10 years, she has personally arranged, coordinated, and led volunteer efforts for community clean-ups through Keep Thomas County Beautiful, fed neighbors in need, and sewn comfort items for cancer patients at Archbold. She coordinates an annual literacy fair which provides free books to hundreds of children. She is a model volunteer, and you cannot keep Aldrena down. She is always full of smiles, gratitude, and a can-do attitude we should all strive for. As a 2021 Award Winner, Mrs. Aldrena received an award, and four Disney Park Hopper Passes.

Student Category – Youth in grades 6-12 in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Student Award Winner – Mr. Oxzavier Rivers
Oxzavier is an 11th Grade student/athlete at Thomasville High School Scholars Academy where he volunteers for a wide variety of school functions and community organizations such as stadium clean-ups, Wildlife Arts Festival, Homeless Coalition, and more through his membership in the Thomasville High School National Honor Society. This year has looked very different in terms of the number of service projects that have been offered in our local community, yet Oxzavier has plugged himself in to support in any way that he can. When our selection committee chooses award winners, they look at not only the type and amount of service, but also their commitment and inspiration to others as reflected on the nomination form. And what really set Oxzavier apart for our committee was the impression he left on his teachers and advisors which in turn left a big impression on us. Comments like — He will do a wonderful job in whatever capacity he is asked to serve. We constantly marvel at this young man’s selfless acts and the positive attitude and wonderful smile that he shows when he is volunteering, and we have said time and time again how wonderful it would be to have a society full of hearts to serve like Oxzavier’s. He sets the bar high for his peers, and the example that he sets through his actions and through his volunteering is creating a legacy for Thomasville High School and our wonderful community. Thank you for being a role model for your peers! As our 2021 Award Winner, Oxzavier received an award, and a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship.

Student Category Honorable Mention – Tisha Stevens, DeAsia Daniels, Jiayi Yao, Andrew Robertson, Xavier Glenn, Peyton Cosby, Anna Pope, Mya Cooney, Randy Sowell, and Katie Giemza

Group Category – Businesses, Organizations, and Civic Clubs in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Group Award Winner – Vital Signs LLC
Vital Signs has been a supporter of HOTC and other organizations such as Hands & Hearts for Horses, and the Humane Society for many years, but really stepped up to fulfill an urgent need for the community this past year. When lock-down was ordered, owner Chris Lovelady turned Vital Signs into a full-time mask-making effort with the help of a group of 50 volunteers (led by Dawn Phinazee Allen). Chris, had just taught himself how to sew and devoted company efforts to making more than 8000 masks that were then distributed free to individuals and groups, as well as essential workers during a very critical time. He did not do it for the credit, but because he saw a need. Even when his business re-opened, he continued to devote his own time, his staff, and resources to this effort. Although many companies pivoted during the pandemic to stay in business, Vital Signs pivoted to fill an urgent need to protect our community and for that we are truly thankful. As a 2021 Award Winner, Vital Signs received an award.

Group Category Honorable Mention – South Georgia Adventures, Thomas County School – 3D Printer Group

Congratulations also to these Group Nominees – City of Thomasville Public Works, First Missionary Baptist Church, Magnolia High School Alumni Association, PBL Chapter of Southern Regional Technical College, Providence Missionary Baptist Church Leadership, The Lomax Family, Thomas County Health Department, Thomasville Jeepers, Victory Fellowship Church Food Pantry, Thomas County Central Key Club, Thomasville High School JROTC

Our first ever Community Impact Award – Ashley HomeStore
Ashley HomeStore has a corporate culture of stewardship that shines brightly through their Thomasville division. Their commitment to community starts with its leadership. This top-down approach inspires employees at every level. Locally, their far-reaching support as volunteers and donors benefits the arts, environment, healthcare, veterans, schools and youth. Examples of their corporate civic-mindedness include Hope to Dream which provides mattresses to organizations like The Boys & Girls Club. in 2019, Ashley employees and partners created teachers lounges and updated the bathroom and kitchen at Scholars Academy and MacIntyre Park Middle School with a commitment to continue this work in other schools in our area. They have provided design assistance and furnishings for the Chamber of Commerce, Vashti Center and local festivals; provided over 400 meals to local healthcare staff during the pandemic; and support local organizations like Thomas University, Troupe, Thomasville Antiques Show foundation, Tall Timbers, the Humane Society, and of course HOTC where they come out every year to volunteer for at least one project site – this past year at a Manna Drop in Pavo. Ashley HomeStore is committed to the present and future well-being of this community as also noted by their recent investment — the 1915 South Building in the West Jackson Street Corridor. Thank you for being a model corporate citizen! As a 2021 Award Winner, Ashley HomeStore received an award.

BIG CHEERS to all those who volunteer tirelessly and selflessly every day. Super thanks to Everfan, City of Thomasville, Thomas County Schools, Banks Italian Ice, Jennifer Rhodes Photography; as well as all of our sponsors and grantors who make free, community-minded events like these possible, especially Diamond Level and above sponsors Ashley HomeStore, New Hire Solutions, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Chubb, Mr. & Mrs. Howell L. Ferguson, Ms. Diane W. Parker, and Dr. & Mrs. Philip C. Watt.

Take a look at the photos below. Click to enlarge.

Student Winner – Oxzavier Rivers

Group Winner – Vital Signs

Community Impact Award – Ashley HomeStore

Thomas County Schools – 3D Printer Group

Lifetime Acheivement Award – Ms. Aldrena Williams

South Georgia Adventures

Individual Winner – Pat Christopher

February 2, 2021

MLK Service Day 2021 Recap

More than 100 volunteers spent this federal holiday, and national day of service, helping others by completing DIY, virtual, and in-person projects in honor of the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Locally, project sites focused on food insecurity, homelessness, and literacy. Check out some project highlights and photos below.

“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

It was a bright and sunny, but cold, Monday morning as members from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, American Beauty Chapter No 214 Prince Hall Order of the Easter Star, along with other families and HOTC Board members, came together to help feed their neighbors at Harper Elementary School. Bags of food including chicken, fruit, juice, and non-perishables from Second Harvest were handed out to nearly 300 households, serving more than 840 individuals altogether.

We introduced a new DIY project, Soups and Socks. In total, 78 pairs of socks were received, each filled with a can of soup, spoon and note of encouragement. These donations were given to local human service agencies such as Dog Taggs, Fountain of Life Rescue, Thomasville Police Department, and The Walk Youth Group who will then distribute them to those in need throughout the community.

Virtually, volunteers participated in the vMLK Project, a simulation experience of one of Dr. King’s speeches. Afterwards they shared their “Idea whose time has come.”

Our Book Drive was once again a success! Thanks to our generous volunteers, we received 236 books that were then distributed to the Meigs Literacy Fair, Head Start, Thomasville Community Resource Center, and the Vashti Center.

Even though the Meigs Literacy Fair was not able to be an in-person event this year due to COVID concerns, the Virtuous Girls Youth Group still managed to share the joy of reading by giving out 371 books. More than 21 volunteers from Thomas County Central High School FCCLA club also participated in a Virtual Literacy Fair, recording themselves reading children’s books that will be shared with local youth organizations throughout the year.

It was a wonderful morning of service in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, volunteers, non-profits, and groups who came together to help make it all happen, especially our Diamond Level (and above) Sponsors Ashley HomeStore, New Hire Solutions, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Chubb, Mr. & Mrs. Howell L. Ferguson, Ms. Diane W. Parker, and Dr. & Mrs. Philip C. Watt; as well as the Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation for making volunteer events and programs like these possible.