THOMASVILLE — Turn off those game systems and computers, youths of Thomas County, and help make a difference in the community with Hands On Thomas County’s third annual Youth Service Days.

The days are focused around Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 15), the main day of the event, and participants will join volunteers from across the country who have chosen to honor King by helping their communities.

“This is a day when students have a day off, and we try to make it a day ‘on’ for them,” said Jo Ann McGrotha, executive director of HOTC. “It says something about our youth here in the community that they are willing to go out and participate on a day when they could stay in. We do this so the youths will have an opportunity to help their community.”

McGrotha said some groups have already signed up for the event: Chamber Youth Leadership Group, Girl Scouts Troops, Bishop Hall Charter Students and church youth groups (All Saints Youth and First Presbyterian Youth Group).

Sign up sheets are available at the front offices of Thomasville High School, Scholars Academy, Brookwood School and in the library at Thomas County Central High School.

“We still need volunteers to help at Downtown Thomasville Main Street, Thomasville Landmarks and Southwestern State Hospital,” said McGrotha. “We are also encouraging students to visit the Thomasville Community Resource Center and the Marguerite Neel Williams Boys & Girls Club January 16–19 after school to assist students with homework help or read a book to a child.”

Thomasville High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Lt. Col. Stann McLeod said his cadets have participated in the event for the last few years. He said HOTC’s program and the JROTC have similar messages.

“We try to teach our kids that community support is all about character,” said McLeod. “We want them to be willing to help other people when they are in need. You never know when you might need assistance. This program, like the JROTC program, teaches responsibility, teamwork and building citizens of character who are willing to serve their community and their nation.”

McLeod said both he and his cadets look forward to service opportunities like HOTC’s Youth Service Days.

“The kids — particularly the class leaders — and I jump at these opportunities,” he said. “We’re glad to participate every time we are asked to do so. I think we’ll have 10 to 15 participate this year and I’ve told HOTC that we would like to find a project that will make a difference with needy people in the community. I want the kids to be able to see that they are making a difference in the lives of other people and learn to appreciate the good things that they’ve been blessed with.”

Phyllis Chastain Nail, Scott Senior Center director, said having youths come to her agency helps her consumers.

“My people just enjoy having the youths around,” said Nail. “It really makes them excited when young people come and do things with them. They bring in love and attention and do special activities. It’s so good to know that there are youths in Thomasville who are interested in the elderly and it’s great that they still care.”