(WXIA) -- Metro Atlanta's unemployment rate dropped to 6.8 percent in March, down slightly from February's 6.9 percent. The rate was 8.0 percent in March 2013.

Fulton County's unemployment rate was 7.6 percent this March.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said local employers created more jobs and laid off fewer workers. The number of new positions increased by 51,500 last month.

Metro Athens had Georgia's lowest unemployment rate in March 2014 at 5.1 percent. The Heart of Georgia-Altamaha region had the highest at 9.4 percent.

ATLANTA -- Local volunteers from Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Buckhead Complex in Atlanta planned an Easter egg hunt, a petting zoo (including adorable bunnies) and other fun activities for the children in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta on April 17.

Held at The Zone at Children’s at Scottish Rite, where children recovering from illnesses go to play, relax and get out of their hospital rooms, 15 Morgan Stanley volunteers set up activity centers and celebrated as the Easter Bunny arrived to take photos with each of the children.

“Bringing joy to others and volunteering our time to be with these fantastic children and their families going through a challenging time is a highlight of our jobs,” said Michael Outlaw, Morgan Stanley Managing Director and Complex Manager.

This is the second year in a row that Morgan Stanley has hosted this event.

The Fulton County Department of Housing and Human Services Department, Housing and Community Development Division is requesting project proposals for Fiscal Years 2015, 2016 and 2017 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

Funding is available for projects and services that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents of Fulton County.  Applications and program manuals will be available as of Monday, April 14, 2014, for pick-up at the following location:

Fulton County Housing & Human Services Department
Office of Housing and Community Development
137 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30303
404-613-7944.