National Awards

New York City

National Award to 300 residents of New York City public housing, who saw beyond their own needs and reached out to help others on Make A Difference Day. These young residents of the Polo Grounds public housing took their hip-hop performance to sick children at Harlem Hospital.

Public housing residents often find themselves on the receiving end of community service. But 300 residents of the New York City Housing Authority -- the nation's largest, with 600,000 residents -- decided to spend Make A Difference Day on the other end: giving back.

There were many projects, in many locations. At one community center, volunteers treated elderly ladies to new hairdos. Cheery murals were painted on the walls of another, flood-damaged, community center. Senior citizen singers entertained at nursing homes and passed out lap robes they had lovingly sewn. And, at Harlem Hospital, teens amused pediatric patients with hip-hop routines and games. "I like to see the kids have fun," says project resident and volunteer Keyjuana Covington. "They were down and depressed. We tried to make them feel better."

How successful was this Make A Difference Day project? So successful that the housing authority and Harlem Hospital will team up for an ongoing volunteer program.

$2,000 award will benefit Housing Symphony, New York City Housing Authority.

Photo Credit: NICK CARDILUCHIO FOR USA WEEKEND.

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