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Hundreds of Volunteers Help Refurbish a South Philly Elementary School

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A few hundred volunteers took a day away from the office today to help revitalize an elementary school in South Philadelphia.

Now, there is a colorful, giant map of the United States painted on the pavement in the play yard at Stephen Girard Elementary School, 18th Street and Snyder Avenue,

It's one of many projects that 215 employees of marketing firm Digitas Health took part in.

"Obviously we know that funding is difficult now for schools," says Digitas managing director Tim Pantello.  He says the murals in the school hallways, foursquare courts outside, and other projects will brighten up the learning experience.

"So when the kids come back to school, they've got a really creative place to learn and grow and develop," he says.

And some of the students won't have to wait to see the changes.  Volunteer Karin Carlisle, who was painting, saw a smiling face on at least one young passerby.

"A little girl walked by and said, 'Oh my gosh, my school!'  So she was really cute and excited, and she asked if were painting hopscotch, and I promised her that we were."

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