U-46 to join in United Way's 'Day of Caring'; Two elementary schools to get projects completed

Two elementary schools in Elgin Area School District U-46 will get some "TLC" on Friday, July 27, from volunteers participating in the United Way of Elgin's Day of Caring.

The 20th Day of Caring will also feature beautification projects at nine Elgin-area health and human services agencies.

The event will kick off with a rally at 9 a.m. at Larkin High School in Elgin, with coffee and doughnuts and brief remarks from United Way of Elgin board members.

Volunteers will then go to their assigned project locations.

At Highland Elementary School in Elgin, volunteers from Chase Bank will focus on outdoor gardening work, including the planting of new trees and creation of a new bed featuring plants native to northern Illinois.

"Highland has a beautiful school campus with many mature trees," said Principal Steve Johnson. "We are excited for the United Way volunteers to assist in adding additional plants and trees so that current and future students can enjoy a pleasant place to learn."

Ronald D. O'Neal Elementary School in Elgin has requested help with its blacktop area where students play at recess. Volunteers from the YWCA Teen Reach program will paint game activities on the blacktop, including hopscotch, a number jungle, shoots and ladders, a maze and more.

"At O'Neal, we believe that when children have access to outside activities, they can develop socially and emotionally, as well as physically," said Principal Marcie Marzullo. "The outside games that the volunteers will paint on our blacktop will allow the students at O'Neal and within the community to engage in collaborative, cardiovascular, and curricular fun."

Individuals or teams of people who would like to volunteer for the event can sign up via the United Way of Elgin at www.uwelgin.org/2018DayofCaring.