Consider how painting cheerful murals could spruce up drab or peeling walls, worn benches and tired playground equipment at schools, parks, pre-schools and day-care centers. What a difference weeding and planting flowers and vegetables in vacant lots could make in a depressed neighborhood.

Always request permission to carry out a project. You might form a committee and appoint someone to put the request in writing and someone else to follow up the written request via the phone or in person. Always get permission in writing. Constructing permission forms might be a worthwhile class project. A classmate's mom or dad might be an attorney, who is willing to stop by to provide guidance. Alternatively, you may contact the foundation.