LINCOLN - Several hundred volunteers from in and around Lincoln are getting organized for the first-ever ''Together for Lincoln'' service project.

The idea was hatched by volunteers from Lincoln churches and has grown to include 15 area churches coordinating their efforts to work on a one-day community service project. Missions range from building wheelchair ramps to visiting seniors in the nursing home.

"We've already got several hundred volunteers signed up," said Dustin Fulton, the Jefferson Street Christian Church minister. "We're shooting for 1,000 volunteers. I don't know if we will make it, but that's our goal."

The idea started small. Fulton and Lincoln Christian Church minister Ron Otto began discussing a plan to provide help for local residents in need. The plan grew to include any other Lincoln church that wished to participate. Most of the work will be completed on Sept. 28.

"In fact, we have already started in a way," said Fulton. "We did a test project on a wheelchair ramp for a family in Lincoln that really needed it. We learned some things but all in all, it went very well and it got us very excited about Sept. 28."

A fundraising effort at the Lincoln Christian Church Vacation Bible School raised more than enough money to build three wheelchair ramps, said Otto.

"The kids did a fantastic job and everyone was very excited as we reached our goal and then went past it," Otto said. "We're all looking forward to helping out the community."

With just a month left to prepare, Fulton said officials are finishing the preliminary work such as looking for projects and volunteers.

"We could use some financial help as well," he said. "Some of the projects are going to take some money, and we are looking for donations from businesses and those who have the ability to give. This is our first year of doing this, so we don't know exactly how much we will need to spend, but every dollar or donation of materials will be used wisely and will be used to benefit someone who really needs it."

Those with needs can fill out a project application at participating churches, several local businesses and agencies and on the Web site developed for the project, at www.togetherforlincoln.org. Those who wish to volunteer can sign up at those same locations.

After the work is finished, there will be a collective worship service at the Lincoln Christian College Chapel. L.C. Sutton, an associate professor of Christian ministries at Lincoln Christian College, will be the featured speaker.