New Around the Mission

Fresh Paint Brightens Big Apple Schools

October 29, 2010

When residents of New York City complete their 60+ hour work week, the weekend is a welcome respite and time for family. On a sunny, crisp Saturday morning, the alarm clock chimes early for a dozen young professionals of St. Paul’s Church in Manhattan. They are gathering at an elementary school in Queens with paint brushes, donating their time to make a difference for youngsters.
“We are always looking for monthly opportunities to reach out to our immediate neighborhood as well as the city at large,” explains the Rev. RJ Heijman. “For October, we chose to participate in ‘New York Cares Day’.”

The Rev. RJ Heijman (front left) leads outreach team on New York Cares Day.

“New York Cares Day” started in 1987 and is the city’s largest day of volunteer service, with 53,000 participating last year. This year, thousands of volunteers came out to paint colorful murals, refresh classrooms, organize libraries and brighten up playgrounds at more than 100 public schools. The event is also a critical fund raiser for the 11,000 projects it supports year round. This year, donations of $85,000 have already come in.

Several members at St. Paul’s work in the fashion industry, and instead of creating renderings of the latest clothing designs, they are painting constellations and planets on the walls of the science hallway, using artistic talent to create inspiring learning environments.

“This was a fun way to serve in way that is not normal for many people who work and live in the city,” shares RJ. “Several that came on the outreach were brought along by friends. It was a great time of building community.”

Visit New York Cares and St. Pauls Church

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Faith in Action