Each year, Gwinnett County hosts a community-wide volunteer initiative called Gwinnett Great Days of Service (GDOS). Every fall, volunteers from corporations, schools, civic organizations, and nonprofits unite for a powerful weekend of community building, connection, and positive impact. While that may be all the convincing you need to determine that this endeavor truly IS great, your friends at Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful have crafted a list of four things that we believe put the “GREAT” in Gwinnett Great Days of Service.
Its History Runs Deep
Taking place over the course of a weekend each Fall, Gwinnett Great Days of Service got its start in 2000. Launched by the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services – a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the health and human service needs of everyone in Gwinnett County, it is now powered by Volunteer Gwinnett. Through its creation and expansion, this cooperative and community-focused initiative has fostered a new era of engagement and volunteerism in Gwinnett County. This year, Gwinnett Great Days of Service will take place from October 17 to 19, 2025.
GDOS Marks One of the Southeast’s Largest Community Service Initiatives
Growing by leaps and bounds each year, it involves hundreds of projects that address Gwinnett’s most pressing needs. After a wide variety of projects have been submitted for consideration during an application period, Volunteer Gwinnett engages and mobilizes thousands of volunteers to support a weekend of hands-on service projects across the county.
Projects are most often hosted by:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Civic and neighborhood associations
- Youth and alumni associations
- Faith-based organizations
- Historical societies and cultural organizations
- Schools, PTAs, and university-affiliated clubs or departments
- Colleges, universities, and student organizations
- Community-based service organizations
- Government-affiliated programs and advisory boards
It is not open to project submissions from private individuals, for-profit entities, political or lobbying groups, or projects focused on direct fundraising, candidate endorsements, or proselytizing.
GDOS Offers an Opportunity to Take Your Pick of Projects Near and Dear to Your Own Heart
Helen Keller perhaps said it best, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Representing a broad range of community-focused projects to address specific needs and issues throughout Gwinnett County, Great Days of Service offers something for everyone who hopes to serve. More than that, it provides an avenue for you to support causes you care about—hunger relief, education, the environment, and more. And while serving, you can:
- Connect with neighbors, friends, and fellow changemakers
- Earn service hours for school, work, or leadership programs
- Make an impact in your community
- Reap the rewards that come from giving back
Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Offers Two Ways to Serve During GDOS 2025
Great Days of Service tackles some of Gwinnett’s most pressing needs, from combating food insecurity, homelessness, and hunger to supporting education, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and seniors. As a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful is proud to add two eco-focused projects to the mix this year.
- Great Days of Service: Gateway Park at Gas South District
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097
Friday, October 17 | 9 a.m. to Noon
Volunteers will help mark storm drains around the campus, collect litter throughout the wetlands, and perform other select beautification projects. They should expect to spend the entire workday outdoors and off-trail in the woods. Clothing should be closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, preferably muck boots. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats are recommended. We also recommend bringing water, a snack, and bug spray.
Learn More and Register - Great Days of Service: Storm Drain Marking
Storm Drains in a Neighborhood/Site of Your Choosing
Saturday, October 18 | All Day
Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and Gwinnett Water Resources jointly run a program to help prevent pollution from entering our rivers and streams. Things like oil, pet waste, and trash can wash into storm drains and pollute our water. During this event, volunteers place special markers on storm drains that read, “No Dumping – Only Rain in the Drain.” You’ll also distribute flyers to educate your fellow community members about the role of storm drains.
To register your site, please follow the link below and fill out this form: https://gwinnettcb.org/programs/stormwater-protectors/
This is a Self-Led volunteer event, meaning no staff will be present at the event. Equipment, materials, and waivers will be provided, but need to be scheduled out and picked up before the event date. Learn More
Explore Other Great Days of Service Opportunities HERE!
Thank you for your part in making Gwinnett Great Days of Service 2025 a success!