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"Sharefest" Brings Make-Overs To Springfield Schools

Called "Sharefest" - this weekend over one-thousand volunteers will gather to tear up carpet, paint walls, and generally improve the appearance of Jane Addams and McClernand elementary schools. McClernand is in the Enos park neighborhood, Jane Addams is on Springfield's north-west side.

Both were chosen to make-over based on the income level of students' families. Last year nearly 90% of students at McClernand came from low-income homes. 67% of students at Jane Addams came from low-income families. 

Funding for the projects comes from churches, individuals, and business sponsors. Chip Ewald is a site leader for Sharefest, he says plans are in place for mentoring to begin as well after the start of the school year. "Just improving the look of the school is helpful to the education of the students... but of course that help is deepened whenever mentoring can happen," says Ewald.

There's still a need for volunteers tomorrow to help renovate the schools. CLICK HEREfor more information.

Rachel Otwell of the Illinois Times is a former NPR Illinois reporter.
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