Many national parks and other federal lands are being trashed during the shutdown, but in many cases, volunteer groups aren’t allowed to help.

The push also includes school grants and a 500-volunteer reading mentorship program.

Team DCist came out in force for Saturday’s 2008 Servathon, presented by Greater DC Cares and Fannie Mae. About 3,200 volunteers spent the day painting, cleaning and pruning the campuses of 39 D.C. public schools. Team DCist was dispatched to Harriet Tubman Elementary in Columbia Heights, and we all had a blast sprucing up the courtyard, repainting the playground, and brightening up some dull brown lockers in classrooms. Thanks to everyone who participated, especially our…