HOTC Day

October 27, 2023

20th Annual HOTC Day Recap

One Day. One Community. One Mission — Do Good!

A big hands-on thank you to our HOTC Day 2022 Presenting Sponsor

HOTC DAY BY THE NUMBERS:

1,223 volunteers ~ 4,736 hours ~
12,000+ individuals served
47 non-profit/community agencies ~ 63 project sites
WAY TO GO THOMAS COUNTY!

Scroll down for pictures. Find even more pics on Facebook!

Saturday, October 21 was a big day for HOTC and for our community! We celebrated our 20^th year of Thomas County’s largest collective day of community service – an accomplishment that couldn’t be achieved without the commitment of each and every one of YOU!

More than 1,200 volunteers were all smiles as they came together to give their time and energy under the most perfect blue fall skies.

Our Celebration Luncheon at Cherokee Lake was just that – a CELEBRATION! Volunteers enjoyed a BBQ lunch, ice cream, Italian ice and popcorn. The luncheon this year featured a photo bus, wrecking ball bounce house, raffle drawings, commemorative anniversary banner, disc golf demo and more. It was truly a place of fellowship after a morning of service.

A BIG thank you to Mayor Jay Flowers for presenting HOTC with a proclamation commemorating our 20^th anniversary year!

HOTC Day has a huge impact on our community and its citizens – mentally, spiritually and physically. Thank you for making the choice to serve alongside so many friends and neighbors. Here are just a few of the good things we accomplished together:

NEW projects and partners, including: Step N Stones Autism Academy, Community Teaching Garden at TCRC, Pope’s Museum, Friends & Stars, Thomasville Community Development Corporation, Gentian Creek Preserve and MORE!
More than 200 trees were distributed at sites in Boston, Coolidge and at Cherokee Lake.
A preexisting community garden was revitalized in Dewey City.
Bins at the City of Thomasville Recycling Center at Remington Park got a fresh coat of paint.
Gravestones were cleaned and grounds were cleared of overgrowth at the Flipper Cemetery.
Litter was cleaned up on a one-mile stretch of Millpond Road.
282 individuals received free food at the Manna Drop at Harper Elementary School – this doesn’t include all the people also served at the Rotary Produce Market that was held on the same day!
Our youngest volunteers at YMCA Child Care made more than 100 hygiene kits for local human service agencies.
Other volunteers made: 178 comfort items and Smile Cards for Archbold cancer patients, 175 holiday cards for seniors, 40 Christmas stockings and 60 Christmas cards for local youth organizations.
And SO much more! Take a look at all the pictures below.

With 63 project sites, everyone had an opportunity to “do good” – and they (YOU) did! Thank you to those who volunteered for our non-profit and community agencies, and to all of the sponsors and donors who make community-minded events like these possible.

Click the map to the right to see all the 2023 project site locations!

Click below to see full images from the day! See more pics on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Photo Credits: JRhodes Photography and Taylor Smith

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.

Mr. & Mrs.
Clint Kadel

Dr. & Mrs.
Philip C. Watt

August 29, 2023

20th Annual HOTC Day

DOING GOOD SINCE 2003!

Give back to the future of Thomas County
on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9am to noon

Big thanks to Presenting Sponsor 1915 South I Ashley

Whether you’ve been volunteering since the 1st or just started making a difference in our community, help us make the 20th the BIGGEST ever! HOTC Day 2023 will unite our friends, neighbors, and colleagues through the simple act of volunteer service.

HOTC Day is just one way to bring us together on many levels. Volunteering provides a positive outlet benefiting the physical, mental, and spiritual welfare of both the giver and the receiver. The well-being of our community and its members is of the utmost importance. Imagine the joy and positivity we will create as we all work together at the same time for the common cause of doing good. Join us and help us log 20,000 service hours in 2023 in honor of our 20th anniversary. That’s a whole lot of good in our community!

As always, volunteers will receive a free HOTC t-shirt and free lunch as thanks for being a community of volunteers. And for our 20th, we want to celebrate in a big way with all of you, so we will have all kinds of fun and surprises in store at the traditional Celebration Luncheon at Cherokee Lake from 11am – 2pm!

See the recap and pictures from previous events here.

REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER

Individuals & Families

From landscaping to painting to animal care and everything in between, individuals and families of all sizes are encouraged to sign up to lend a hand. RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 12 AND UP.

NOW CLOSED

Businesses & Groups

School groups, businesses, civic clubs and churches – gather your colleagues and come do good at a variety of project sites for groups of 6 or more volunteers. RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 12 AND UP.

NOW CLOSED

Free Child Care at the YMCA

Volunteers with young children who are unable to attend a project site due to safety reasons can work on age-appropriate projects at the YMCA.
RECOMMENDED FOR POTTY TRAINED KIDS AGES 2-11.

NOW CLOSED

Please note, although we will try, we are not always able to place you at a specific site you may request. Placements are based on the needs and requirements of our partners, and as available. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.

MORE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

Click image for more information

Donate Blood

Sign Up!

Tool Drive

See Wish List!

Tree Giveaway

Learn More

Bingo!

Play Now

Be A Sponsor

Thank you!

Special Thanks To These Valued Sponsors

Thank you for being a community of volunteers! Keep the volunteer spirit going! Volunteer on Family Volunteer Day, November 4.

August 25, 2023

Play Volunteer Bingo in October!

Volunteer Bingo is back! Set a goal to “do good” for 20 hours during the month of October.

<<<DOWNLOAD YOUR VOLUNTEER BINGO CARD NOW

This is a fun activity for all ages, and bingo cards may be completed individually, or as a family. Give back to your community and also have a lot of fun along the way!

Find quick links below with more information and registration to successfully complete some of the bingo squares. Questions? Give us a call at 229-226-5200.

Birthday Boxes for Local Youth
All October

Download Now

Find out what items to include in birthday boxes

Thomas County Rocks
All October

Download Now

Decorate and hide rocks for others to find

Big Red Bus Blood Drive
All October

Find a local blood drive (including one at HOTC Day!)

20th Annual HOTC Day
October 21

Join more than 1200 community volunteers

Family Volunteer Day
November 4

Coming Soon

Complete projects honoring veterans and active military

THE RULES:

1) Download and print a bingo card, or pick one up from select locations in town.

2) Use our bingo squares as inspiration on how you can give back to the community throughout October.

3) Date and sign each square upon completion.

4) Use the section on the back of the card to let us know how and where you volunteered your time!

5) Take pictures of your acts of service and share them on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to tag @handsonthomascounty and #HOTCturns20

6) Bring your completed card to the *NEW* HOTC office by Friday, November 3 (1213 E. Jackson St., across from Papa John’s).

THE PRIZES:

*EVERYONE HAS A CHANCE TO WIN*

Turn in your bingo card regardless of how many hour you complete.

Log 20+ Hours
entered to win $100 Downtown Dollars

Log 10-20 Hours
entered to win gift valued at $25

Log Less Than 10 Hours
entered to win gift valued at $10

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.

Mrs. Robert
P. Crozer

Dr. & Mrs.
Philip C. Watt

Mr. Lyle
Williams IV

Mr. & Mrs. C Martin Wood

October 28, 2022

HOTC Day 2022 Recap

One Day. One Community. One Mission — Do Good!

A big hands-on thank you to our HOTC Day 2022 Presenting Sponsor

HOTC DAY BY THE NUMBERS:

1257 registered volunteers ~ 4628 hours ~ 5908+ individuals served
35 non-profit/community agencies ~ 63 project sites
WAY TO GO THOMAS COUNTY!

Scroll down for pictures. Find even more pics on Facebook!

Another beautiful HOTC Day in the books! How rewarding to see the sunny attitudes and bright smiles that matched the sunny skies as volunteers came out to do good at projects across Thomas County. You couldn’t pick a better day or better community. Thank you Thomas County!

HOTC Day 2022 on Saturday, October 22 had a huge impact on our community and its citizens – mentally, spiritually, and physically. It felt so good to serve alongside so many of our friends and neighbors! Partnership and fellowship are a big part of what makes this day so special. Here are just a few of the good things we accomplished together:

New murals were painted inside the Marguerite Neel Williams Boys & Girls Club
A Little Free Library was installed in the City of Ochlocknee
224 trees were distributed to community members to help replenish the tree canopy depleted by storms over the past several years.
Hundreds of disaster relief food boxes were packed at Second Harvest for victims of Hurricane Ian
DIY and Independent volunteers made over 100 hygiene kits for local human service agencies, 167 comfort items and 70 Smile Cards for Archbold patients, 313 holiday cards for seniors, 79 Christmas stockings for local youth organizations, 45 dog and cat care items.
And SO much more! Take a look at all the pictures below.

CLICK IMAGE TO SEE FULL MAP AND LISTING OF HOTC DAY PROJECTS SITES

With 63 Independent and Traditional project sites, everyone had an opportunity to “do good” – and they (YOU) did! Thank you to those who volunteered for our non-profit and community agencies, and to all of the sponsors and donors who make community-minded events like these possible.

Click to see full image! See more pics on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

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.

Mr. Lyle
Williams IV

Dr. & Mrs.
Philip C. Watt

November 2, 2021

HOTC Day 2021 Recap

One Day. One Community. One Mission — Do Good!

A big hands-on thank you to our HOTC Day 2021 Presenting Sponsor

HOTC DAY BY THE NUMBERS:

936 volunteers ~ 3745 hours ~ 7059 individuals served
44 non-profit/community agencies ~ 57 project sites
THANK YOU THOMAS COUNTY!

Scroll down for pictures. Find even more pics on Facebook!

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING A PART OF HOTC DAY 2021

What a BEAUTIFUL HOTC Day! Sunny skies matched the sunny attitudes and smiles of volunteers that came out to do good at projects across Thomas County. You could just feel the good vibes. It almost felt like the good old days!

HOTC Day 2021 on Saturday, October 23 definitely had a huge impact on our community and its citizens, mentally, spiritually, and physically. It felt so good to serve alongside 900+ of our friends and neighbors! Look at some of the good things we accomplished together:

21 additional grave sites (including 2 veterans) were uncovered at historic Midway CME Cemetery
Family friendly activities like four square, twister, checkers, and hopscotch were created at Northside Park
Sidewalks were cleared of debris for safe use by pedestrians in Coolidge
A sensory playground was created for Never Lost
112 trees were distributed to community members to help replenish the tree canopy depleted by storms over the past several years.
DIY and Grab & Go volunteers made 162 hygiene kits for local human service agencies, 158 comfort items for Archbold patients, 92 dog and cat toys for local shelters, over 1000 holiday and smile cards for seniors, and 59 Christmas stockings for local youth organizations.

With 57 Independent and Traditional project sites, everyone had an opportunity to “do good.” Thank you to those who volunteered for our non-profit and community agencies, and to all of the sponsors and donors who make community-minded events like these possible.

CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW GOOGLE MAP OF TRADITIONAL SITES

Click to see full image! See more pics on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

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

October 23, 2020

HOTC Day 2020 Recap

One Day. One Community. One Mission — Do Good!

A big hands-on thank you to our HOTC Day 2020 Presenting Sponsor

THIS JUST IN! HOTC DAY BY THE NUMBERS...

776 volunteers ~ 3104 hours ~ 32 agencies ~ 46 project sites ~ ~ 5903 individuals served Thank you Thomas County!

Not even a pandemic can keep this community from taking action when needed. Thank you!

Even though we didn’t expect a huge turnout, HOTC Day 2020, on Saturday, October 17, definitely had a huge impact on our community and its citizens, mentally and physically. It felt so good to serve alongside (virtually and actually) 700+ of our friends and neighbors! And look at some of the good things we accomplished together:

A Manna Drop (free food distribution) was held in all 7 cities in Thomas County: Boston, Coolidge, Metcalfe, Meigs, Ochlocknee, Pavo, and Thomasville. More than 750 local families received boxes of food that morning.
Community Beautification efforts from spreading pine straw for Vashti to installing Christmas lights for the City of Thomasville to picking up litter at the Ochlocknee River and in neighborhoods throughout Thomas County.
Several non-profits received facility maintenance from creating a new exercise room at the YMCA to washing buses at the MNW Boys & Girls Club to removing decrepit playground equipment at the Salvation Army to cleaning out storage at Never Lost and First Option Care.
Lawn Brigade hit the stree…er…yards of families in Thomasville with mowers, rakes, and hedge clippers.
DIY and Grab & Go volunteers made comfort items for local patients, dog and cat toys for local shelters, Smile Cards for seniors, holiday cards for soldiers, and positivity rocks which are now hidden throughout the community (be on the lookout!).
Virtual volunteers learned how to recognize and respond to suspected child abuse with The Treehouse, as well as human trafficking with Break The Chain.

With 46 Independent and Traditional project sites, there was a way for everyone to participate safely and comfortably. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, and to all of the sponsors and donors who make community-minded events like these possible.

Click to see full image! See more pics on our Facebook page.

October 15, 2020

Win Disney Tickets!

Feel the magic! As a thank you to HOTC volunteers and supporters, we will be giving away FOUR DISNEY PARK HOPPER PASSES. Each pass is good through February 28, 2022, and offers admission for one person at one or more parks on the same day: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. There are several ways to enter:

Sign up to volunteer for HOTC Day 2021 by 9/30 (Individuals and families will receive one entry upon submission of volunteer form. For members of a volunteer group, the volunteer and group sign-up sheet must be submitted by 9/30; registered adult volunteers contained on the sign-up sheet will be automatically entered. You must volunteer on HOTC Day for this entry to be valid.
Visit our Facebook or Instagram page between 10/1-10/16. Find the Disney giveaway post and follow instructions to be entered.
Upload a photo to Facebook or Instagram on HOTC Day (10/23) in your HOTC Day 2021 tshirt. Then like/follow and tag @handsonthomascounty #hotcday2021 for entry.

Get up to three entries FREE. Do one or do all!

Basic Rules: Only submissions received by dates and options listed will qualify. Only one submission per person per entry type will be accepted. Entrants must be 18+ and a resident of Georgia to enter. HOTC reserves the right to change or cancel any part of this giveaway at any time for any reason. HOTC is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or issues associated with 3rd party and/or any online services or apps. One winner will be chosen and contacted by 11/1/2021. No cash value or substitute prize will be offered.

December 17, 2019

HOTC Day Take 2

With Tropical Storm Nestor threatening our area this past October 19, the difficult decision was made to cancel HOTC Day 2019 for the first time in 16 years (that’s a pretty good run!) for the safety of our volunteers and partner agencies. Although wind and rain kept us from coming together for this annual day of service, it could never keep us from our mission of doing good in the community. See pictures below!

70 project sites and 1300+ volunteers were originally scheduled for HOTC Day on October 19. We are proud to report that over 41 project sites were rescheduled with more than 528 volunteers participating through November 23 (these numbers don’t include the additional 322 volunteers who came out on Family Volunteer Day on November 9). See pictures below!

Project highlights include:

Creating a teachers lounge at MacIntyre Park Middle School
Updating the teachers kitchen and bathroom, and the parent/teacher conference room at Scholars Academy
Installing Christmas lights on the new trees in The Bottom
Cleaning wildlife enclosures at Nepenthic/Androcles Society
Packing food boxes for Second Harvest of South Georgia
Sewing comfort items for local human service and medical agencies.

See pictures below!

Thank you to everyone who registered for the original HOTC Day, as well as ALL of our donors and sponsors, especially Presenting Sponsor Ashley Homestore. And an even bigger thank you to everyone who took the time to volunteer afterward. We are so very proud of the giving nature of our community!

Also, congratulations to the winner of the 4 Disney Park Hopper passes, Tara Hill! Tara logged 3887 volunteer steps on her Live Better pedometer as part of our Healthy Living Initiatives. So far, more than 168,272 volunteer steps have been logged. Learn more here.