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New York Cares Day 2018: Public School Makeover

When I quit my job over a year ago I had a full plan. I’d work for myself (check) be more present for the kids (double check) and volunteer regularly because volunteerism is a value that I hold close to my heart. Though I’ve been able to volunteer a few times, I haven’t gone as much as I would have liked.

I decided to sign up for the largest volunteer day in NYC that happens yearly. New York Cares Day is an awesome day that allows volunteers to clean, organize and paint New York City Public Schools. This wasn’t my first rodeo as I have done this 3 prior times. All three times were in my “youth” (when did my early 20s become my youth?!) pre husband and pre children.

I signed up to be a Site Captain for New York Cares Day which meant I’d be responsible for managing the volunteers and making sure all projects are completed. I chose a local neighborhood school just blocks from where I grew up and right down the street from my church.

The day would be filled with organizing, planting, painting and even mural designing. The groups of volunteers were from all over–professional organizations, friends, college clubs and coworkers.

As a site captain, my duty was to be everywhere at all times. I spent the most time outside because it was just a beautiful mid sixties day at the end of October. The volunteers were tasked with repainting track lines, drawing a new hopscotch game and sketching a mural of the world in the play area behind the school. They did an amazing job, and everything looked so good when they were done!

We also had some volunteers outdoors that did a load of planting and revitalization right outside of the school. Those jobs took a short amount of time and they were able to meet us in the backyard to help with the painting.

Indoors we had an amazing group organizing plenty of books and papers in the library and painting classrooms.They had some serious skills!

I was super proud of every single person that came out to give their time to their community. It was a beautiful day with even more beautiful people. I am proud to be a part of such an impactful day.

A public school in #Brooklyn gets revitalized on #CaresDay! @newyorkcares #volunteer Click to Tweet

How was your weekend? Did you have beautiful weather where you are?

Clarissa

Sunday 31st of December 2017

What an amazing day and way to give back.

Tamara

Wednesday 25th of October 2017

Yes! It was a beautiful weekend but we were in Maine. I think it was nice here too, but unseasonably warm. This event looked so successful. And awesome!

Kita

Monday 23rd of October 2017

I like this! Great way to give back. I am still waiting for winter....not the New York Kind though y'all can keep that

Janine Huldie

Monday 23rd of October 2017

What a great way to give back and looked like a truly successful event. So glad you got to be a part of it and give back in such an awesome way. As for the weekend, absolutely gorgeous here and felt more like late spring/early summer than mid fall in all honesty. I shared a bit about that and what we did as well in this glorious weather over on my blog today, too :)