Employees with the Hometown Wal-Mart donated their time this week painting and remodeling the faculty lounge and student learning room of the Tamaqua Elementary School.

It was done as part of Wal-Mart's Volunteerism Always Pays (VAP) program. The employees weren't paid and volunteered their time to do the work."Our School District appreciates the time these volunteers put into this project," said Steve Behr, Principal, Tamaqua Elementary Schools."It is always nice to give back," said Sarah Storms, project organizer and assistant store manager. "Our giving starts in the local community, with every Walmart facility and Sam's Club providing grants to nonprofits that are making a difference in their hometown via the program."She added that store employees also helped to raise about $11,000 for the local Children's Miracle Network. "We look forward to starting our next community project," said Storms.