“This experience is good for one’s soul. We come to New Orleans to help rebuild a city one school at a time. The city is magical and the work we do is so very appreciated one can not help but be enchanted. At the end of the day, at the end of the week, we know and feel, that we made a difference.”

— Judith Hurwich (Volunteer)

“Dear PIES, Just wanted you and the entire Illinois crew to know that we are Arthur Ashe Charter are still benefiting from all of the volunteer work that ‘y’all’ did in setting up our school. Because of your work, we were able to start off the year with a bang, and it is still going well! The bigger the niceness, the bigger the ‘thank you.’”

— Melanie Boulet (Teacher)

“This experience so far has made me more enthusiastic about my career. It has made me excited to set up my own classroom in the future.”

— Eugenia Obregon (Volunteer)

“We transformed a weedy, littered garden space into something that can be planted and used by the students for years to come.”

— Paul D’Agostino (Volunteer)

“Dear PIES, Thank you so much for the help that your volunteers gave us last week. It was so appreciated by everyone. I know the teachers were so excited to have the help.”

— Bette Painter (Teacher)

“Loosely translated, Namaste means ‘the beauty & godliness in me recognizes the beauty & godliness in you.’ I would certainly say that describes my experience in Nola! Each and every person I worked with was remarkable in the way they gave of themselves during the trip.”

— Phyllis Coleman (Volunteer)

“I appreciate and admire greatly your generous work helping the most needed. Actions of love like these ones do contribute changing the world!”

— Timothy Velez (Rental Car Vendor, Puerto Rico)