SRU VOLUNTEERS HEAD NEW CASTLE PLAYGROUND PROJECT;

CONTRIBUTIONS SOUGHT TO BUILD ON MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY OCT. 28

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – To build a playground in the I Care Community Garden on New Castle's East Side, Slippery Rock University communication instructor Nina Persi and other volunteers are heading a $40,000 campus and community collection drive.

Organizers intend to build the playground on the national Make A Difference Day Oct. 28.

“We want to provide a safe space for the children where they can dream, imagine, and just be a child,” Persi said. “After spending nearly a year volunteering at the I Care House, I have seen firsthand how the children value being in a caring, nurturing environment.”

Buckets collecting monetary donations will be placed in campus offices and at local businesses, and advocates seek corporate contributions of $500 or more. Another way to support the playground is to sponsor the cost of playground equipment in which donors will be recognized by having the individual’s or organization’s name placed on equipment.

Up to 200 volunteers are needed for the construction day as well.

The I Care House Playground, at Court and Pine streets, will include a jungle gym, slide, tot lot, climbing wall, swing set and benches, said Persi, a board member for the I Care House. Launched in 2004, the I Care House provides educational and life-skills services to children and adults. Alice Kaiser-Drobney, director of SRU’s Institute for Community, Service-Learning and Nonprofit Leadership, directs the facility.

“A dedicated New Castle and Slippery Rock University community have made the I Care House idea a reality,” she said. “We hope their continued generosity will make the dreams of a playground adjacent to the I Care House a reality too.”

SRU President Robert Smith endorsed the project, saying, “Good citizenship is one of our core values. Students and community residents who get involved gain a greater sense of social awareness and build on their leadership skills.”

For more information, call Persi at 724-738-4075 or Heather Stoy at the I Care House at 724-658-8873.

#PN, PgN, PR

News and Information

Current Headlines

Archive Index