Twenty-three Bronx schools were spruced up Saturday as part of the 16th Annual New York Cares Day, the largest day of volunteering in New York City.

Volunteers helped pain murals in classrooms, reorganize libraries and fix up schoolyards. They say New York Cares Day lets the kids know they are important because members of their own communities pitch in.

Participants raised money in honor of the time they spend volunteering. The money covered the supplies they used to brighten up the schools and funds future New York Cares programs.

The principals of the schools say they hope the more vibrant campuses and will make kids excited about coming to school and help boost attendance rates.

125 schools across New York City got New York Cares makeovers. They were selected from hundreds of applicants based on their needs.