(BLACK PR WIRE) – WHO: Baptist Health South Florida, a partner to local community organizations, faith based groups and health clinics in an effort to make South Florida a healthier place.

WHAT: Baptist Health employees and their families will come together in a day of volunteerism to provide much needed facility improvements to charities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The volunteers will participate in several service projects that include: construction-related tasks, painting, maintenance projects, gardening and landscaping.

Sites include:

• Neva King Cooper Elementary – 151 NW 5th Street, Homestead
Neva King Cooper Educational Center is a specialized school for students who are profoundly mentally handicapped, ages 3 to 22.
Project Description: Painting, putting together shelves and organizing the library
Timeframe: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Baptist Health CEO Brian Keeley will be at this event.

• Shake-A-Leg Miami – 2620 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove
Shake-A-Leg is a not-for-profit organization working with children & adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges in a marine environment.
Project Description: Clean-up of private- island, painting, and general maintenance projects
Timeframe: 8:30 a.m.-1:00 pm

• St. Mary’s 1st Missionary Baptist Church – 136 Frow Avenue, Coral Gables
St. Mary’s 1st Missionary Baptist Church is a historic site located in The City of Coral Gables. The Church is listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is due for renovations and repairs. The site has been a place for spiritual worship for thousands of church goers since 1926.
Project Description: Painting, gardening and light maintenance
Timeframe: 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

• Habitat for Humanity – 1301 58th Terrace, Miami
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry that helps provides a safe and affordable place for families to live. Houses are built by volunteers and supported by the community and business leaders.
Project Description: Construction-related tasks at 2 homes including installation of windows and doors, painting, tiling, landscaping or framing.
Timeframe: 8:30 a.m-1:00 p.m.

• West Kendall Elementary Schools – (Multiple Locations)
Local elementary schools are teaching children the importance of good nutrition and eating fresh vegetables everyday for a healthy body. This interactive garden will help children understand the value of growing your own vegetables and healthy eating.
Christina M. Eve Elementary: 16251 SW 99 Street, Miami
Oliver Hoover Elementary/Early Learning Center: 9050 Hammocks Blvd, Miami
Gilbert Porter Elementary: 15851 SW 112 Street, Miami
West Kendall Early Learning Center 9555 SW 162 Ave, Miami
Project Description: Constructing vegetable gardens, clearing the area and planting the vegetables
Timeframe: 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

• Davie Elementary School – 7025 SW 9th Street, Davie
Davie Elementary is a Title I school serving over 700 students. The project is to help expand the instructional environment in the implementation of an outdoor classroom. The goal is to encourage teachers to use experiential teaching methodologies to learn lessons through hands-on learning.
Project Description: Create a butterfly garden, create outdoor seating for students, remove and replace worn landscape lumber and general landscape
Timeframe: 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Baptist Health South Florida is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization's fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.

WHEN: Saturday, November 9, 2013
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

WHERE: Multiple locations throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in attending Baptist Health Day of Service, please call Jorge Martinez 305-445-7550 or 305-790-2828 to coordinate your visit.