Students can get their hands off the remote and onto volunteering this week. Hands On Georgia Week began Sept. 29 and lasts through Saturday. The annual event promotes civic responsibility and community involvement through various volunteer projects in Georgia.

“Whether you’re volunteering with children, the elderly, picking up trash or helping at a food bank, students can have a major impact on the community,” said Steve Dutton, a graduate assistant for Volunteer UGA.

An affiliate of the Hands On Georgia organization, Hands On Northeast Georgia addresses local needs in the Athens-Clarke and Oconee County areas.

“Northeast Georgia is in need of help from the University students,” said Dutton, also a graduate student from Athens.

Volunteer UGA, a division of the University’s Center for Leadership and Service, is providing volunteer opportunities for students in honor of the week-long event.

It will host a field day Friday for children and adolescents in Athens. The event at the Oconee Street Boys & Girls Club will include arts and crafts, basketball and kickball for children from ages six to 16.

“This is a great way to give our youth a positive after-school activity,” Dutton said.

Other local events throughout the week will include sorting food at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, working at the Athens Area Humane Society and revitalizing the Sexual Assault Center of Northeast Georgia.

“Most opportunities to volunteer for Hands On Georgia Week are not physically demanding, but do require time and passion,” Dutton said.

He encouraged students interested in volunteering at the events to visit the Web site, register as a member and follow the links to get specific information.

Dutton said the week provides opportunities for students to help out, but volunteering year-round is the best way to make a difference.

“Just taking a few hours out of your week can truly make a difference,” he said. “I encourage students to help their community by volunteering in whatever capacity they can.”