BROOKLYN — This past weekend, more than 100 city schools — about half of them in Brooklyn — got their makeovers.

More than 8,000 caring New Yorkers revitalized 117 New York City public schools across the five boroughs during the 18th Annual New York Cares Day on Saturday. Volunteers began work at 9:30 a.m., completing hundreds of projects by 3:30 p.m.

The volunteers added murals to classrooms and cafeterias, painted hundreds of classrooms, reorganized libraries, and tended to school gardens. This year, 55 schools in Brooklyn, 25 schools in Manhattan, 17 schools in the Bronx, 16 schools in Queens, and 4 schools on Staten Island received “mini-makeovers� from volunteers.

New York Cares Day is the city’s largest day of hands-on volunteering. The event is an annual day of service run by New York Cares, the city’s leading volunteer organization, in partnership with the city Department of Education.

Special guests for this year’s event included Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, New York City’s Chief Service Officer Diahann Billings-Burford, and Miss New York 2009 Alyse Zwick.

The 55 schools in Brooklyn included P.S. 67K, where 160 volunteers painted classrooms and hallways as well as added colorful murals throughout the school. Volunteers also planted bulbs near the main entrance and organized storage closets. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz congratulated volunteers for their efforts.

“The New Yorkers volunteering today are making our schools more welcoming and inspiring places for our children to learn,� said New York City Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein. “I want to thank New York Cares and all the volunteers who are making a hands-on contribution to our schools today. Their efforts are making a real difference in the lives of our public school students.�

“We’re proud that for 18 years, our volunteers have been helping the city provide vibrant and inspiring learning environments for students in every borough. New York Cares Day proves once again how much New Yorkers care about making our city the best it can be for everyone who calls it home,� said Gary Bagley, executive director of New York Cares.

To make a donation in support of New York Cares Day, please visit www.newyorkcaresday.org until Friday, Oct. 30.

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