RENO — Volunteers from Nevada and all over the United States are spending part of their summer vacation creating artwork, organizing books and tackling other projects on school grounds across the Washoe County School District. Their efforts are part of several ongoing volunteer programs which began Friday that provide help at schools during the summer months.

“WCSD is so excited to have community volunteers and volunteer programs helping our students and schools this summer,” said Lisa-Marie Lightfoot, volunteer services administrator for WCSD. “Besides helping revitalize our schools for fall, volunteers are tutoring at summer schools, Re-Engagement Centers, Boys and Girls Club locations, and the Gifted and Talented summer program. They also tutor our students who are learning to speak English.”

“We’re happy to help out,” said Chad Jenkins, a volunteer organizer from the Reno Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The young artists are not the only volunteers working in the Washoe County School District. A team of VISTA volunteers spent the past week processing 100,000 take-home books for struggling readers. Starting Monday, they will tutor students in the summer school program. The VISTA team will work in Reno until August 13. Also, nine National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) volunteers report to Reno today, and will be assigned to work on various school campuses through July 11.

“We’re excited to serve the Washoe County School District because it has such a huge impact on the area’s youth,” said Jenna Lamoreaux, team leader for the NCCC volunteer squad. “We know that any support or help we can provide for the school district will make a big difference for children.”

“Our national and community support is awesome,” said Lightfoot. “Despite many cutbacks, our doors are still open this summer to help our students.”