October 28, 2001

In the wake of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 -- L.A. Works volunteers were eager to give something back to their own community. To respond to this need, L.A. Works quickly organized an Interfaith Volunteer Action project bringing together members of LA's many religious faiths to deliver a message of hope and unity. The project was called "United We Stand -- L.A. Works Together"

Over 300 volunteers representing LA's diverse communities turned out for a remarkable day. Christians, Muslims, Bahai, Jews, Quakers and Sikhs all worked side by side to deliver a message of unity and faith in our neighbors. Together, we painted 74 murals -- transforming the drab, otter brown walls of the Daniel Webster Middle School to a bright rainbow of hope for the future.

At every corner of the campus, volunteers were seen expressing their emotions and turning it into art that would enliven the lives of the students. Principal David Legacki thanked the crowd noting that he couldn't "wait to see the kids' faces when they get off the buses tomorrow morning....Their jaws are going to drop."

Jews worked alongside Muslims -- Sikhs alongside Quakers -- as the project reassured everyone that we can work together in harmony.

Volunteers planted trees around the campus and an interfaith ceremony culminated in the planting of a symbolic Unity Tree to commemorate lives lost on September 11th.

In the span of 6 hours -- volunteers managed to paint 74 vivid murals and again demonstrated the power of a community working together for a common good!

Thanks to our sponsors for their generous support of this event: Access Communications, Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water, Clearsite Design, Corporate Design, Dr Pepper, Howling Monk Coffee, Inkspot Printing, Krispy Kreme, Louise's Trattoria, Noah's Bagels, S.C., Distributing Corporation, Subway, The California Endowment, Tree People, Union Ice, Winchell's Donuts -- And all of the wonderful volunteers who have helped make this event possible!

For more information, see the L.A. Time Article on our "L.A. works in the News" page.

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