Parents, students, alumni and staff from Longfellow Elementary and Hughes Middle schools, as well as other members of the community, dug in Oct. 27 to add 57 new trees across both campuses. Nearly 400 people brought garden tools and energy to the task in this Make a Difference Day event sponsored by a grant from United Voices for Healthier Communities in cooperation with the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The 857 students at Longfellow and 1550 students at Hughes will benefit from the shade and pollution reduction of the trees. The Ginko, Podacarpus, and Trumpet Flower trees are a gift to the future students, according to event organizers.
“It says a lot about this community that so many people came to help,” said Kim Peterson, one of the grant writers and event coordinator. “It was a feel-good day. They came with a good attitude and left with an even greater spirit.”
Monica Daley, principal at Hughes, was thrilled with the level of cooperation. “What a wonderful day! It was heart-warming to see people of all ages, and reflective of the diversity of our community, come together to enjoy making a significant contribution to the neighborhood.”
Recipients of the grant received training on tree selection, planting and care, and funds for the trees and supplies. It also provided support for watering the trees throughout their first two years, under the guidance of the Conservation Corps.
Various businesses, government agencies, and individuals donated tools, food, and their expertise for the volunteers.
For further information on the project, contact Cathy Procopio at 562-989-0970 or Kim Peterson at 562-857-7387.
