Volunteers help make Valley school safe for students with Autism

PHOENIX (FOX 10) - Hundreds of volunteers came out in full swing to help give Palm Lane School a makeover.

It was a big, group effort at the school near 67th Avenue and McDowell Road.

Since Palm Lane has the largest special education department in the Cartwright School District, teachers and staff work with many students with autism and other special needs.

Volunteers were busy creating a more inclusive environment for those students with autism.

"Also we're building a community garden here. It's about 2,500 square feet. An opportunity for us to actually teach kids over the school year and throughout the summer how nutrition works and how they can grow their own food. It's a pretty exciting program," said Jeff Armor with Maryvale Revitalization Corporation.

The project was kept a secret so students will have a big surprise on Monday.