Volunteers spruce-up schools

Do not believe the myths - New Yorkers really do care.
Nearly 8,500 volunteers came together to spruce-up New York City schools during the 16th annual New York Cares Day.
“We’re proud that for 16 years, we’ve been able to make a difference in the lives of school children across the city. Our volunteers have made a tangible impact that will last for years to come,” said Ariel Zwang, executive director of New York Cares.
In Queens, 16 schools benefited from the revitalization and citywide an additional 106 schools were part of the event which ran from 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 20. The volunteers painted 350 murals, organized libraries, painted hundreds of classrooms and planted hundreds of plants and flowers.
At P.S. 84, the Steinway School, 75 volunteers made improvements inside and out including a series of four murals depicting the four seasons located in each stairwell. The teachers’ lounge was repainted as were many of the school’s bookshelves and closets. Outside, volunteers laid down new soil and compost to improve the Reading Garden
I.S. 126, the Albert Shanker School in Astoria, also received attention from the Astoria-based group of volunteers who refer to themselves as “seeds of love.” The group promoted the event and their involvement on their myspace page to encourage others to get involved.
The outpouring of volunteers was so great that New York Cares closed the general registration for the event more than a week in advance.
In addition to the physical work, the group asked volunteers to seek monetary support from friends and family. Last year, New York Cares raised $190,000 and this year they were able to surpass their goal by receiving pledges equaling more than $200,000 to support New York Cares year-long programs.
“Thanks to New York Cares and its volunteers, our schools are brighter, more inviting places for our kids to learn,” said Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein.