Thousands volunteer for Hands on Atlanta day

ATLANTA — Thousands of volunteers spread out across metro Atlanta Saturday for Hands on Atlanta Day.
 
The crews worked to help revitalize the community in more than 100 locations.
 
At the Atlanta mission, volunteers built a new playground designed by the kids who are going to use it.
 
The day kicked off with landscaping along Boulevard.
 
"Old Fourth Ward has done a tremendous job revitalizing. I just want to be a part of it," said one volunteer.
 
Even city sanitation workers gave up their Saturday to clear the sidewalk and an empty lot.
 
"In Boulevard we're in four parks and over on the beltline, so we have thousands of volunteers out just making a difference in the community and volunteering," said Hands on Atlanta President Gina Simpson.
 
Across town, a couple hundred volunteers, mostly from Delta Airlines, built the new playground for the Atlanta Mission.
 
The 60-90 kids at the shelter put on paper what they wanted and it's now coming to life.
 
"The playground is going to be an incredible refuge for them every day where they will be able to play and have fun. And they got to be part of the design and now are getting to watch it be built," said Atlanta Mission President Jim Reese.
 
Hands on Atlanta says Saturday is about meeting the most pressing needs in the community, but also sparking more volunteerism throughout the year.
 
"This is a way of life. Not just a one day. Hands on Atlanta day signifies for you to find that passion and go give it back every day," said Simpson.
One of the kids at the mission drew a dragon themed playground and there's going to be a dragon slide. They will have a ribbon cutting at the mission at 2:30 p.m.
 
Senate Candidate and found of Hands on Atlanta Michelle Nunn pitched in on projects in Old Fourth Ward. She was joined by the second lady of the U.S., Dr. Jill Biden. Both put on some work gloves and did a little mulching.

WSBTV