Today, nearly 1,500 volunteers lent their helping hands to local classrooms during Hands On Nashville Day, a community-service celebration supporting 25 Metro Nashville Public Schools.
“There’s no better way for us to celebrate our 25th anniversary than by serving alongside 1,500 volunteers,” said Lori Shinton, president and CEO of Hands On Nashville. “Today’s effort shows the true power of volunteerism that we’ve seen make such a difference in our community over the past two decades.”
During the event, themed “Serve & Celebrate,” volunteers painted educational murals, revitalized playgrounds, applied window weather-stripping to classrooms, and completed additional facility improvements at schools districtwide. In partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Metro Beautification and Environmental Commission, volunteers also planted trees and daffodils around school grounds.
“Education is paramount to the success of our city,” said Mayor Megan Barry, who volunteered at Warner Elementary Enhanced Option School. “It’s special to live in a community where residents are willing to give their time to support the next generation of leaders through their service.”
The time volunteers donated today made an estimated economic impact valued at more than $100,000. The event marked the 15th consecutive year of Hands On Nashville Day benefiting Metro Schools. Over the course of the organization’s 25-year history, more than 25,000 volunteers have engaged in 75,000 hours of service on Hands On Nashville Day, creating an economic impact valued at nearly $2 million, according to Independent Sector research.
“Hands On Nashville Day provides a tremendous platform for community members to reach and connect with our schools in a very meaningful way,” said Dennis Neal, executive director of the Facility and Grounds Maintenance Department at Metro Nashville Public Schools. “Today’s impact extends beyond the fresh coats of paint and new trees. It demonstrates our community’s commitment to the success of our schools. ”
At the conclusion of the projects, volunteers celebrated the day’s accomplishments and the organization’s 25th anniversary with honorary birthday cake.
Multiple businesses championed this year’s event, including anniversary sponsor Dell, which supported educational murals for schools, and presenting sponsor Altria, which organized 50 volunteers to help today.
“Our company is committed to giving back year-round,” said Altria’s Mark Czuba. “We believe in the power of volunteerism and the incredible impact that occurs when our volunteers join together with the community in service.”
Hands On Nashville is asking the community to help make every day a Hands On Nashville Day with a $25 donation to support its mission and day-to-day efforts to connect volunteers with needs. Donations of any amount can be made at HON.org.
For More Information:
Hands On Nashville – Daniel Brown, (615) 298-1108 (o); (513) 460-3302 (c); daniel@hon.org
McNeely Pigott & Fox – Hamlet Fort, (615) 259-4000 (o); (843) 307-5131 (c); hfort@mpf.com
About Hands On Nashville
Hands On Nashville (HON) meets community needs through volunteerism. Celebrating 25 years as Middle Tennessee’s volunteer resource center, HON connects thousands of volunteers to service opportunities annually supporting critical needs, such as utility assistance, hunger, homelessness and environmental protection.