posted by:
Mashburn, Noelle B - MNPS at Sep 24, 2012 1:30:00 PM
More than 2,000 volunteers got their hands dirty this past Saturday as part of the city's single largest day of service. For the 21st annual Hands On Nashville Day, 58 schools benefited from more than 8,000 hours of free labor in the form of landscaping, painting, and cleaning projects. New this year, HON added rain gardens to the list of services. By the end of the day, in partnership with Cumberland River Compact, rain gardens were built at 20 schools to help manage storm water and create a learning opportunity for the students.
MORE PHOTOS FROM HANDS ON NASHVILLE DAY 2012
At Haywood Elementary (pictured to the right, photograph by Caroline Price), nearly 100 volunteers spent the day pulling weeds, planting vegetables in the school's garden, painting walls, and more. According to Principal Melanie Schiff, "We are fortunate to have so many staff members who were willing give their time and guide the volunteers as they accomplished so many tasks in such a short period of time."
In a press release issued by HON, CEO Brian Williams said, "Whether volunteers spent their morning building rain gardens, painting cafeterias or beautifying school grounds, their efforts help build a strong community. We continue to be inspired by our neighbors’ willingness to lend time, talents and treasure to serve with Hands On Nashville during this annual event and throughout the year.”
EVEN MORE PHOTOS FROM HANDS ON NASHVILLE DAY 2012
According to Independent Sector research, the time volunteers donated made an estimated $174,320 economic impact, saving Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools significant resources. This is the 11th year Hands On Nashville has partnered with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.
