In The News
October 7, 2008
Comments to: info@firstlink.org
FIRSTLINK Teams with Target To Provide Makeover for Windsor Elementary
Volunteers to Paint Murals, Create Outdoor Reading Garden to Improve Library and Literacy Environment
COLUMBUS, Ohio – This Friday, more than 100 volunteers coordinated by FIRSTLINK, will come together at Windsor Alternative Elementary School to provide a needed makeover of the school library and other reading areas. As part of the library and literacy improvement project championed by Target Volunteers and Hands On Network, volunteers will paint murals, create an outdoor reading garden, improve rooms used for tutoring, provide new books, clean and organize the reading areas.
Twenty-three schools across the country including Windsor Elementary, located at 1219 E. 12th Avenue in Columbus, were awarded a library makeover, led by Target volunteers who will contribute their time, talent as well as new furniture. The school selection criteria included percentage of low-income children and overall need for library improvement. The volunteer initiative builds on the company's commitment to volunteerism and education and is in conjunction with the Hands On Network, represented locally by FIRSTLINK, an affiliate of the national network.
"The school library revitalization model engages Target employee volunteers, teachers, students and the community in transforming school libraries—the heart of the school," said Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher, president and CEO of FIRSTLINK. "The project is a hands-on illustration of our mission: to strengthen and enhance the quality of life in central Ohio by mobilizing volunteers and connecting those in need to critical resources. We are excited to partner with Target in bringing about real, needed change in schools in our schools."
In support of this makeover effort, Target is donating furniture and other decorating and school supplies to Friday's school makeover effort. Volunteers will kick off the morning with a project kickoff opening ceremony (8:15 – 8:30 a.m.) afterwhich teams will tackle each of the projects during a work phase from 8:45 – 11:30 a.m.
"We are proud that so many of our Columbus team members got involved to volunteer time to their hometown school library," said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. "We know that education is a top priority for our guests and are committed to programs, like our Target Volunteers library project, that focus on supporting local schools and early childhood reading."
FIRSTLINK will also be coordinating a similar effort by UBS employees at Hamilton Elementary on Oct. 18.
FIRSTLINK's mission is to strengthen and enhance the quality of life in our community by mobilizing volunteers and connecting people to critical community resources. Last year, more than 200,000 callers called FIRSTLINK's 24-hour Information and Referral line for answers. Other programs include Disaster Preparedness Planning, the FOODLINK pantry referral system, training programs for nonprofits, volunteer services, Kinship Navigator, Dental OPTIONS, RSVP – Your Invitation to Volunteer, and Columbus Beyond the Freeway tours, as well as foreclosure crisis assistance for central Ohioans. FIRSTLINK is a United Way member agency.
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,648 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships.
HandsOn Network is the leading business unit within the Points of Light Institute portfolio and is the activating arm. HandsOn Network inspires, equips, and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. At the center of the network are our 370 affiliates serving 83 percent of the American population and 12 international communities. It is also a "network of networks" that includes our partnering nonprofits, government agencies, faith-based organizations, and companies seeking to engage in service.
