In what resembled an Amish barn-raising, it only took six hours for more than 400 volunteers to build a playground, paint an old convent and peeling walls plus lay down grassy sod at Ascension School in South Los Angeles on Dec. 2. But all agreed that the ramifications of this heroic community event for the urban school and parish will last for years, if not decades.

"It's a place where children will be able to be in a safe atmosphere --- a safe place to play," said principal Karen Kallay. "It's going to help out with physical education. We're going to be able to help the children grow not only academically and morally, but also physically. The playground will improve their motor as well as social skills. And in the grassy area with picnic tables and benches, children will be able to sit out there and read books."