Volunteering - it’s a great opportunity to help the school and community and, if you’re a Wal-Mart employee, possibly a source of money for the schools. An opportunity to volunteer is scheduled for this Saturday.

A Day of Caring is set for 8 a.m.

to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, organized by Keith Martin, Pea Ridge Elementary School principal.

“If Wal-Mart volunteers work, it accrues value and Wal-Mart gives us a check,” Martin said.

“It’s a win-win situation.”

“If we get 50 Wal-Mart employees to volunteer, Wal-Mart gives us a $5,000 donation,” Martin said.

He said money raised would go to the PTO and is planned to provide playground equipment for the Intermediate School. There are a variety of chores to be done, including:

◊Rake mulch under playground equipment

◊Paint

◊Clean the area around the flag pole

◊Clean the outdoor classroom area

◊Weed the flower beds and gardens

◊ Remove and replace two pieces of playground equipment from Intermediate School to Primary School

“We will have activities for the children,” Martin said, adding that there will be child care, although there will be chores children can perform as well.

“People love to volunteer and help, we just want to make sure their time is being used wisely.

“We’ll provide lunch,” he said, adding that volunteers may bring yard tools and garden gloves. “It would be good to wear old clothes.”

Volunteers should check in at the Primary School with Martin for assignments and to record hours.

“There is so much we can do as individuals ... there are a lot of people in our community who are not necessarily part of the school. We’ve already had 30 people sign up on the web site,” Martin said.

Martin said youths working with their parents teaches them good citizenship and helps them value volunteering.

Eventually, we’d like to have a fall and a springwork day, Martin said, explaining that it was too hot at the beginning of school for a work day.

“I’m excited,” he said. “If someone can only work 30 minutes, they’re welcome to come. If they can onlycome for the last little bit, they’re welcome to come.”

Anyone interested in volunteering, is asked to call Martin at 451-8183 or check on the school web site at http://tinyurl.com/Dayof-Caring-Oct.

News, Pages 1 on 10/18/2011