Playground Build Draws Nearly 400 Volunteers

The community rallied behind the Junior Service Club this weekend as nearly 400 volunteers participated in the Boundless Playground Build on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20. Carolyn Pilla, volunteer coordinator, states the club was overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to help. In addition to JSC club members and individual volunteers, groups of builders were represented from Glen Carbon Wal-Mart, ADP, Ameren, TMW, Glen Carbon Fire Department, Edwardsville Fire Department, Edwardsville Township, Edwardsville Knights of Columbus, First Cloverleaf Bank, Astellas Pharma US, Kohl’s, SIUE Women’s Basketball, OHL Contract Logistics, Girl Scouts, Kiwanis, Goshen Elementary Teachers, Mathis, Marifian & Richter, and SIUE Contractors Club.

Trina Vetter and Tammy Perry, hospitality coordinators, report that donations of food and beverage from local restaurants and businesses was tremendous as well. “We absolutely had the best fed volunteers,” stated Vetter. “A huge thank you to all of our vendors.” Hospitality received breakfast, lunch, snack and/or beverage donations from Sam’s Club, Panera Bread Co, Catered Affair with American Red Cross support, McDonalds, Kraft Foods, The Wooden Nickel, Teaspoons Cafe, Two Fat Guys, Wang Gang, Joe’s Pizza, Sonic, Peel, Ravenelli’s, local Girl Scout and 4-H clubs, Lisa Davis and Jerry and Nancy Staten.

Project co-chairs Kelly Schlechte and Christie Lampe report that the weekend could not have gone more smoothly. Despite the windy, wet and cold conditions, the build finished ahead of schedule. Schlechte states, “I’m amazed and humbled by the outpouring of support. Our volunteers worked tirelessly over these last few days and we are truly grateful.”

The Boundless Playground which is 80% accessible to persons with disabilities will continue to undergo surfacing and landscaping additions in the next few weeks. The Junior Service Club is planning a Grand Opening Ceremony on Sunday, May 19 at 1pm at Township Park. The public is invited to attend.

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