An army of youth from across Georgia set out to give a face-lift to homes and agencies throughout Augusta on Saturday.

First Baptist of Augusta played host this weekend to March Mission Madness, which gathered 200 young people to provide home improvement for the elderly and disabled.

The youths and about 50 project leaders spent the bulk of their day painting, building wheelchair ramps and improving the interiors of 10 homes and eight other facilities, said Andy Jones, the host church coordinator.

Youth ministers from the Atlanta area thought of the idea for March Mission Madness about 12 years ago, Mr. Jones said.

"This is a way for us to practice what we preach," he said. "It's good for them to get hard work in, and they can also see what condition some people live in. It makes them more aware."

Ryan Owen, 17, of Evans, ended his day covered in paint up to his elbows, but he said taking part in the mission event in the windy weather would help him and others.

"It helps me grow with Christ," he said. "This house looks better, so I hope the work we did will help it grow."

Ryan and about 35 other youths painted and raked leaves at Freeman's Personal Care Home on 15th Street.

The house serves six residents who are elderly or disabled, said Barbara Hastings, the director of the home, which has been operating since 1966. Saturday marked the first time that volunteers had helped there, she said.

"All I could do was paint a patch here or there," she said. "I think it's wonderful what they've done. They worked steady and never complained."

The sixth- through 12th-graders will end the mission event with a service this morning, Mr. Jones said. He said he hoped First Baptist and other local churches would take part in the event next year.

"This really puts their faith in action," Mr. Jones said. "These kids think they're just coming out to help someone else, but they get blessed in the end."

Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.