Businesses Pitch In To Help Local Schools

DETROIT (WWJ) - Local corporations are helping area schools spruce-up for the coming school year.

ARISE Detroit! Executive Director Luther Keith says that, beginning last year, an effort was undertaken to get businesses to adopt Detroit Public Schools as part of the Neighborhoods Day community service project.

"[They help] get them ready for the fall. Beautification. Painting. Boarding-up houses. Whatever they do. And, we ask the principals to submit projects. We were able to do nine schools last year. We hope to do more this year. We actually have 35 schools that have given us projects that are up for adoption."

At Chrysler Elementary School of Journalism, Principal Wendy Shirley announced that Chrysler Corporation has adopted the K-through-5 school. Next month some of its employees will paint murals inside the school and plant flowers outside.

But, students won't be standing around watching.

"Our students are involved in every aspect of our school. The gardening. They're going to be involved in painting and also planting the flowers ...," Shirley said. "It teaches them a sense of responsibility, pride and working with the community, and building relationships."

The 7th Annual Neighborhoods Day event takes place Saturday, Aug. 3.

Get more details HERE.