Volunteers Beautify Lincoln Elementary, and Hope Kids Learn a Life Lesson

A group of volunteer parents, administrators and current and former students worked for three hours on Saturday to beautify in Plainfield.

The workers planted ornamental grasses and mums, pulled weeds and spread mulch to make the school inviting when children return Thursday.

The event, which was organized by Lincoln’s Parent-Teacher Association, was designed not just to make the school grounds more beautiful, but to promote community and school spirit.

“It instills pride in their school,” said PTA president Heidi Mulford, whose children Kyle, 7, and Katie, 11, were among the workers.

“It brings families out. Kids and families meet one another. This sense of community shows we are a family outside the school and a family inside the school.”

Children, who pushed wheelbarrows filled with mulch they shoveled themselves, said they enjoyed helping their school and think the rest of the students will appreciate their efforts when they walk in the building.

“They will think, ‘Wow, this is a beautiful school,’” said 9-year-old Callum Gilmore, who worked with his parents and twin sister Isla on Saturday. “I think we are doing good work, and helping the environment is helping the world.”

“It makes me happy,” Isla Gilmore, 9, said.

Mom Lori Gilmore said while the entire family enjoys landscaping, helping beautify the school also teaches the children the value of community service.

“Every accomplishment comes with hard work,” she said. “You have to work to keep things nice. If they want a nice school, they have to contribute.”

One of the organizers, Jennifer McManaman, a member of the PTA, said that when the children work hard on the school grounds, they are more likely to continue to take care of it throughout the year and ensure their friends also care for the landscaping.

Lincoln Principal Kelley Gallt, said the school will look great when classes begin thanks to the efforts of many volunteers.

“Our parent community goes above and beyond what is necessary to do what is best for the kids,” she said. “We have wonderful role models who teach that we need to give back to our community.”

Mulford said the PTA hopes the small actions taken at the start of school will snowball: More and more students and parents will volunteer at future events and the school community will grow stronger.

“We try to set good examples and work to create future leaders,” she said.