Nov. 5, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In connection with VILLA's Big Serve community initiative, the area's leading fashion retailer teamed up today with The Timberland Company, NBA Cares, The School District of Philadelphia and multiple Grammy Award-winning musician and humanitarian Wyclef Jean for a day of community service and school renovations at West Philadelphia High School. Through this unique partnership, West Philadelphia High students were invited to spend time with Wyclef, and basketball players and coaches from the Philadelphia 76ers in inspirational sessions about leadership, the power of sports to effect positive social change and community activism.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091105/NY06635 )

After opening remarks by Wyclef Jean, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, school Principal Saliyah Cruz and representatives from Timberland and VILLA, more than 125 volunteers - including VILLA employees and members of the 76ers team - went to work. With a goal of creating a more inspirational and productive environment for students, hands-on projects included:

--  Installation of outdoor classroom, including picnic tables, planter
benches, garden of fruit trees and indigenous plants
--  Fresh paint and murals, bookshelves, computer station and seating in
seniors lounge
--  New equipment and fresh paint and murals in weight room

--  Fresh paint and murals in counselor's office and discipline office, as
well as themed hallway stripes and murals for each school academy

In addition, Wyclef Jean held three sessions with students: the "History of Hip-Hop" class heard first-hand from one of the music world's greatest; ninth graders heard about the importance of respect in high school; and the "Student Leaders" group and seniors learned Wyclef's thoughts on community leadership and staying true to your roots. On the sports side, 76ers players and coaches spoke with athletes about balancing sports and school, understanding the role sports play in improving communities around the world, and making the transition to college sports.

The day's projects were organized and led by a team of City Year Philadelphia corps members.

"Our mission is to educate and inspire youth in inner cities, especially Philadelphia, to become community leaders," said Jason Lutz, CEO of VILLA. "As we celebrate 20 years serving urban neighborhoods and inspiring change with our "Big Serve" platform, we're proud to be able to partner with Timberland, the 76ers and NBA Cares to help create positive and lasting change for this school. This has truly been a great day."

Today's service event, VILLA's largest ever, falls in line with the retailer's mission to partner with schools, companies, and community leaders to create opportunities for community investment and education initiatives. After reviewing proposals from several local community and civic groups, VILLA selected West Philadelphia High School for this project based on the school's transformative impact on students and the community as a whole.