By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Philadelphia area community groups are joining together to fight the School District recommendation to close 37 public schools at the end of the school year.

Philadelphia Communities United is made up of 30 plus community groups, including Philadelphia Advocating for Public Schools, Eastwick Friends and Neighbors and more from all over the city.

“To be most effective we had to come together as one,” says Dr. Carole Simmons.

She runs the PCU command center, which keeps parents, teachers and students informed about the time and locations of community meetings related to the school closings.

She says the effort is paying off, as hundreds of community supporters are now able to show up and have their voices heard.

“We must stand up. The children are looking at us. Are we willing to do the work to push this back and make it right for them? So I say to our people stand up- come out,” says Dr. Simmons.