Kingsley Elementary Makeover Kicks Off National Volunteer Week
Inland Empire United Way Leads Over 300 Volunteers in School Revitalization Effort
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA  – HandsOn Inland Empire, the volunteer initiative of Inland Empire United Way (IEUW), led over 300 volunteers on Saturday in revitalizing the oldest elementary school in Pomona. In total, 342 volunteers donated a combined 2,644 hours of time to renovating Kingsley Elementary School in Pomona—painting murals, planting gardens, renovating the school’s cafeteria and front office, and more. The event, which brought together dozens of volunteer groups from throughout the Inland Empire, also served as the official beginning of local activities for National Volunteer Week, a special period of time that centers on inspiring and recognizing the great volunteer work being done across the country.

 
In many ways, the Kingsley Beautification Event exemplified the spirit of National Volunteer Week. Identified by Pomona Unified School District as its campus most in need of renovation, Kingsley featured a wide array of both aesthetic and practical needs—needs that the local community of volunteers were excited for the chance to meet. All day, volunteers happily completed tasks while sharing their volunteer experiences via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets.

 
On their end, both Kingsley Elementary School and the Pomona Unified School District were thrilled with the results of the day. “We want to thank [the volunteers] very, very much, not just for what they’ve done in terms of making the school look a certain way, but what they’ve modeled for all of us about the importance of serving our community,” said PUSD Assistant Superintendant Stephanie Baker. “We thank everyone who was involved with this project.”

 
Inland Empire United Way was equally ecstatic about volunteer turnout and efforts. “Our goal is to ensure local children have the opportunity to succeed academically and reach future self-sufficiency,” said IEUW CEO Gregory Bradbard. “It was thrilling to see hundreds give up their Saturday to help invest in the education of our community’s children.”

 
For more information on Inland Empire United Way’s full slate of National Volunteer Week opportunities, including how you can get involved, visit www.InlandEmpireUnitedWay.org.
HandsOn Inland Empire, an initiative of Inland Empire United Way, brings individuals, families, teams and corporate groups together to strengthen communities through meaningful volunteer action within Western San Bernardino County and the Pomona Valley area of Los Angeles County.

 
Inland Empire United Way (IEUW) is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with local community leaders, businesses, government agencies, other nonprofits, and individuals to build a stronger, healthier community. By strategically investing in Education, Health, Financial Stability, Volunteerism, and 2-1-1 San Bernardino County, long-lasting and positive changes are made in the lives of children, families, and individuals. The IEUW service area covers regions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Imperial and Riverside counties. For more information, please visit www.ieuw.org.