Mother Nature didn't play very nice with us last weekend... but we still managed to have a great time at Back to School! Nearly 100 volunteers painted stairwells, hallways, classrooms, bathrooms and other public spaces at four Newport schools. We also made a surprise donation of 40,000 Campbell's Soup Labels for Education to the Newport Independent School District. The event was capped off by an awesome happy hour at Hofbrauhaus. Check out photos here!

Give Back Cincinnati will help young and old alike feel "young at heart," during GBC's first interactive event of 2012. We will connect with local senior citizens at St. Paul Lutheran Village for a day of games, prizes, conversation and camaraderie.Click here to sign up!

As we did last year, we will collect new and gently used books, games and movies for the residents. Please keep in mind that larger-print books are preferred, but that all donations are appreciated!

Give Back Cincinnati is nothing without the members who volunteer for our events and programs... so, naturally, we like to shine the spotlight on them as frequently as possible. Here, we introduce you to Patty Murphy, who joined Give Back Cincinnati for a service travel trip to New Orleans last summer.

Why did you choose to become a member of Give Back Cincinnati? How did that interest lead to you joining Give Back Beyond Cincinnati? When did you first become a member?
I was introduced to Give Back Cincinnati throughmy friends Allison and Tobin.  They were involved with the local service projects and have had positive experiences.  I used to teach in an inner city schools, and when I moved on to another school, I felt the need to give back to the community.  I have been a member since February 2011.

What was your favorite part about the trip to NOLA?
Learning about the effects that Hurricane Katrina still has on the city of New Orleans was very powerful.  There is a still such a need for help and support in New Orleans years later.  There is a strong spirit in New Orleans by those who live there that is passed along when you spend time there.  The city is not just a fun time, but the history and sense of community is something.

What personal benefits did you gain from the trip? What did you learn?
I have made some lifelong friends that I have met in New Orleans. It was such a wonderful experience to meet kind-hearted, fun-loving people that live in Cincinnati.  I am also rehabbing my home in Mainstrasse Village, so I was able to learn some new power tools.  All of the leaders are very patient and wonderful at explaining the different roles that are needed for a project.

Why would you suggest that a member of Give Back Cincinnati and Give Back Beyond attend the trip to NOLA?
It is a great experience to work as a group and to learn about the city of New Orleans.

How do you finance your travels with Give Back Beyond?
I collected donations from friends and family for half of the trip.  The other half I covered.

What was the best/funniest part of the trip for you?
My friend Megan and I were in charge of the table saw and cutting wood for the frames of the rooms.  We had a great time writing personal messages to the folks working on the house on the wood as we delivered it to them.  I also really enjoyed the evening at the Blue Angel hanging out with the biker locals.

Any advice for first-time GBB members or trip-goers?
Be open-minded and flexible!!!