What They're Saying
Some words about Hands on DC
"We need to support our teachers and give them the tools and resources they need to do their job, but our teachers need an environment, and certainly our children need an environment, in which learning can take place. And that environment includes the athletic facilities, cafeteria facilities, office facilities, certainly the classroom facilities that are clean and safe and habitable for children, and this is where Hands on DC comes in. Over the last nine years, thousands of citizens have committed time and effort, contributing in kind millions of dollars to go to the upkeep, improvement, and rehabilitation of schools. It's a wonderful thing."
Mayor Anthony Williams
"Accenture thoroughly enjoyed its involvement with Hands on DC in May, and we are looking forward to participating in the adopt-a-school program again this upcoming year. This program offers a great opportunity for companies to demonstrate their commitment to local schools."
R.J. Wolf, Accenture
"We think it makes good business sense [to donate to Hands on DC] from the perspective that our name is out in the community. Marriot Corporation is a well-known name and we hope, and indeed do believe, that participating in these types of events is a good business draw. The name is in the public, people know that we're making these valuable contributions, and we believe that in the long term it helps establish a better financial foundation for us as a company as well."
Lonnel Moore, Director of Human Resources
Marriot Corp.
"A team of Whole Foods Market volunteers participated in the Hands on DC work-a-thon last May, painting and landscaping a nearby public school. We were so impressed at the dedication of the Hands on DC organizers and volunteers, and how welcome they made our team feel. That spirit is what makes Hands on DC so effective at creating a connection between the community and the schools. As a major sponsor of Hands on DC, we were delighted to both support that spirit and help improve DC schools."
Jenna Van Hook, Marketing Specialist & Community Liaison,
Whole Foods Market Tenley
"One of the things that it does for the children - since many of the parents bring their kids on the work day - is that the children see the involvement of all the volunteers, many people whom they don't know and not just the usual parents that they see. And what it tells them is that it's important to be involved in their community, that even if you don't have children in the public schools, you are a part of the public school system and that you must contribute to that as you get older."
Victoria Lord
Parent and volunteer
"I know our organization felt their sponsorship was an excellent idea and paid off in the work on the schools, contributions to low-income students and positive feelings of all who worked and contributed money. I have talked to NEA staff who hope that the event continues. Congratulations again on an excellent day that contributed to our city and DC students."
Teresa Rankin, Organizational Specialist,
National Education Association
"Hands on DC was the biggest boost in school morale we have had all year. We had a lot of parents, teachers and students come out all day and afterwards people felt excited about the school."
Louise Chapman,
Teacher, Peabody Elementary School
"When I arrived at school on Saturday and saw the beautiful landscaping in front of the school, and I saw the beauty of the cafeteria with the fresh paint, my heart was touched."
Wilma Durham, Principal,
Walker-Jones Elementary School
"I had the greatest day! Thanks for letting me help."
Ralph, Nine-year-old community volunteer
"When I came into the classroom this morning, the classroom looked so bright. I thought we had new lights, not new paint!"
Sixth Grade Student,
John F. Cook Elementary School
