Upland Elementary School Undergoes Overnight Transformation

Approximately 300 volunteers helped transform Upland Elementary School Saturday, April 12, as part of the Inland Empire United Way’s National Make A Difference Day School Transformation. Volunteers planted plants, painted the playground, painted murals along indoor hallways, and cleaned the campus.

Without knowing their campus had undergone an “overnight” renovation, surprised students toured their “new” playground and campus on Monday, April 14.

The effort was part of Inland Empire United Way’s commitment to helping disadvantaged youth to succeed in school and was just one effort during National Volunteer Week.

The volunteers came together early on April 12 to paint murals, plant trees and perform a variety of tasks that revitalized the school grounds into a dynamic and visually stimulating environment of which students, faculty, and parents can be proud.

National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.

“These school transformation projects are more than just making a school beautiful,” says IEUW CEO Gregory Bradbard. “United Way is committed to these projects because our children need this. The murals, plants, and paint bring a message of inspiration and hope to the students that a community of strangers believes in them.”

Upland Elementary was chosen for its alignment with United Way’s commitment to investing in the future self-sufficiency of youth in low-income neighborhoods. With 96% of its students in families who struggle financially, volunteer efforts are aimed at creating an environment where students can succeed and begin their journey toward a self-sufficient future.

For more information contact Meghan Meade at the United Way at mmeade@ieuw.org.