A group of students work to beautify the Thomas County Schools Administration Building.  

THOMASVILLE- Hands on Thomas County held their 19th annual Hands on Thomas County Day last Saturday, where over 1,200 people came together to serve more than 30 local nonprofits and the greater Thomasville area. 

According to Executive Director, Angela Kiminas the turnout of volunteers was the highest they’ve seen since COVID-19. 

“Our biggest Hands on Thomas County Day was almost 1,600 volunteers and our smallest, which was actually not during COVID, was between 600-700,” she said. “Our average is about 1,000-1,200 people, so we met our goal this year.” 

One of the benefits beyond serving others during Hands on Thomas County Day is the opportunity to join in fellowship for a common cause. 

Kiminas explained that many organizations form groups to volunteer, but they often have families join in on the day as well. 

“We try to put the families and individuals with other families and individuals, because a lot of what this day is about is connecting people together in our community,” she said. “We sometimes might put two or three groups at one site.” 

Kiminas sent the groups to 63 different sites, 56 of which were in-person or traditional sites. HOTC did offer seven independent or virtual options, which Kimanis said they have been doing since COVID. 

“I don’t think we will ever get rid of those (independent sites), because it allows so many people to participate, who are either still uncomfortable or unable to come in-person for whatever reason,” she said. 

Sites can be chosen for a variety of different reasons. 

Kiminas explained that some sites HOTC works at every year, which they look forward to, but they also send out a form and letter during the summer to local non-profits, asking what they need HOTC to do. 

“They really kind of tell us, because this is all about getting done what they need,” she said. “When a project comes through, we vet it and make sure it’s appropriate for volunteers and then add it to our list for the day.” 

Some of the larger site work this year included Birdsong Nature Center, which had 33 volunteers, the Boys and Girls Club, which had 25 volunteers, and the Rose Garden and Admin Building. 

“We do a lot of work with the City on simple beautification projects that anyone can do,” Kiminas said. “So, we had a huge group out at the Rose Garden and Admin Building.” 

The work the volunteers do out at the site not only helps the local non-profits, but is educational for the volunteers as well. 

Kiminas shared that volunteers often don’t know what particular non-profits do until they are there physically working and helping them. 

Volunteers will have the opportunity to soon help again, as HOTC is planning a Family Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 8, geared toward honoring veterans and service members. The event will take place at the library, where everyone can make cards for active duty service members and posters to hang in local businesses. They will additionally be collecting donations, as HOTC partners with Judy’s Heroes to send care packages to service members in active duty. 

“We really want people to nominate active duty service members, because it can be hard to get that information,” Kiminas said. “We also, though want there to be that personal connection, where these are going to be made by volunteers here and going to someone from here.” 

Kiminas and new Programs and Events and Director, Lisa Scully know that the project won’t be possible without volunteers, just as HOTC Day wouldn’t have been possible. 

They both thank everyone for their constant support and willingness to give back to the community.