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Organizers of New York Cares Day said some 8,000 people worked in 117 schools across the five boroughs, painting murals, sprucing up hallways and classrooms and planting flowers in school yards.

Volunteers came from sororities, alumni associations, corporations, and community groups.

"It's easy to write a check but it's more important to do something physically," said volunteer Frank O'Callaghan.

"It's a great way to get out with your fellow co-workers away from the office especially when it's for such a great cause and it's always good to get our hands dirty," said volunteer Anthony Cota.

Organizers said the event got its start about 18 years ago, when the city faced education budget cuts akin to what the governor has recently proposed.

"Some of what can feel like extra work, like mural painting and the beautification of the school grounds, was something that understandably was not as easy to make take place with the budget constraints," said New York Cares Executive Director Gary Bagley. "So this is a place where volunteers, communities, the corporations and the civic groups that come out today... can really make a difference."

"We look forward to this every year," said team leader and volunteer Joanna Jackson. "We're all thankful to be here and we want the children to benefit by our efforts, and they do. They love the work once it's completed."

"It's a great feeling to come into the community and help out specifically a community in need," said volunteer Karen Gooden.

New York Cares's day of service also helped raise money for the organization's other projects, including an annual coat drive, computer classes and adult literacy programs.

"That supports our work in the schools all year long," said Bagley. "We will have volunteers reading with kids. We will have them working on SAT preparation in 30 high schools around the city, so we're really here to support education year-round."

For more information on volunteering, visit NewYorkCares.org.