10.01.2004 ET

(CSRwire) ATLANTA - Over the next 90 days, UPS employees around the globe hope to set a new record - 80,000 volunteer hours - giving back to the communities where they live and work. A part of UPS's Neighbor to Neighbor employee volunteer program, the annual Global Volunteer Challenge starts in Atlanta on Oct. 2 during "Hands On Atlanta Day" at Fickett Elementary School.

Volunteers from UPS and other Atlanta-based companies will tutor children and assist the school with a number of renovation and beautification projects including painting benches, mowing grass, refurbishing play areas, removing debris and planting flowers. UPS CEO Mike Eskew will join nearly 100 UPS employees helping with the improvements at Fickett Elementary while another 150 UPS employees tackle other projects in the Greater Atlanta area as part of Hands On Atlanta Day.

Now in its 14th year, Hands On Atlanta Day is the nation's largest day of citywide service organized by a single local agency. More than 16,000 volunteers across the city will work at 200 selected sites.

"As we grow our business around the globe, our desire to support our communities worldwide also grows," said Eskew. "This effort not only addresses critical needs in our global community but also strengthens the UPS culture, which recognizes the impact volunteerism can have on training and team-building."

Following Hands On Atlanta Day, a series of employee volunteer activities will take place in UPS domestic locations and throughout international operations, including a special concentration of events during UPS's Global Volunteer Week, Oct. 17-to-24. Employees are encouraged to participate in at least one event.

The UPS Neighbor to Neighbor program has been an extension of The UPS Foundation's philanthropic efforts for more than 10 years. Through the Neighbor to Neighbor Global Volunteer Challenge, UPS will enhance its volunteer efforts with a focus on global expansion and increased resources for employee participants.

Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its support will clearly impact social issues. The Foundation's major initiatives currently include programs that support increased nationwide volunteerism, family and workplace literacy and hunger relief. In 2003, The UPS Foundation donated more than US$39.8 million to charitable organizations worldwide.

Visit www.community.ups.com for more information about UPS's community involvement.

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