Date: 08/1/05

For Release: Upon Receipt
Contact: Sarah Steidl, Communications Director
ssteidl@downtownakron.com
330-762-8555

Group Workcamps Foundation “Week of Hope” lends a helping hand.

(AKRON, Ohio)- In partnership with the United Way of Summit County’s Volunteer Center, twelve youths ages 14 to 20 gathered at the Downtown Akron Partnership office to volunteer during the Group Workcamps Foundation’s “Week of Hope.”

The four day project included stripping and cleaning First Night Akron Barrels, then painting them to give them a fresh new look for the 10th annual New Year’s Eve celebration held on Dec. 31, 2005. The barrels are used to mark First Night sites at buildings throughout downtown.

“This project gives the kids a chance to make a lasting impression on our community,” says Sarah Steidl, Communications Director for Downtown Akron Partnership. “Long after they’ve gone home, First Night guests will get to see their hard work on each colorful barrel.”

Approximately 300 teenagers from across the country traveled to Akron for the Group Workcamps Foundation “Week of Hope.”  Youths performed various volunteer work projects for nearly 30 nonprofit organizations throughout the Summit County area.

The paint for the First Night project was generously donated by January’s Paint and Wallpaper, located at 394 W. Exchange St.

First Night® Akron is a program of Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners of the program are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.  For more information about First Night call 330-762-8555 or visit www.firstnightakron.org.