A compassionate group of children in Michigan is inspiring us all by raising $20,000 for an inclusive playground designed for one of their classmates. These dedicated elementary students at Tobey Elementary in Vicksburg have come together after noticing that their friend, Emily Johnson, struggles to join in on playground activities due to her cerebral palsy.
Emily, a cheerful five-year-old, often plays in the sandbox with her aide, which prompted a group of fifth graders to wonder why she wasn’t playing with the other kindergartners. “Every time I see her, she always waves at me,” said fifth grader Lucas Bennett. “I felt sad knowing she couldn’t play like the rest of us.” Because Emily relies on leg braces and a walker, the current playground is not accessible for children with various disabilities. Lucas shared, “I went to my friends and asked if the school was going to do anything about it.”
Unfortunately, many schools do not budget for accessible playgrounds, according to The Mighty. However, thanks to this group of fifth graders, Tobey Elementary is taking steps toward change. Principal Sarah Thompson and the enthusiastic students created a GoFundMe page to share their mission and raise awareness about the need for a suitable playground for Emily and others like her.
“Emily is the kindest, most caring five-year-old you could ever meet,” the students wrote on their fundraising page. “Her smile brightens up every room.” To further promote their cause, these amazing kids produced a brief video to engage more supporters.
The fundraising effort is going exceptionally well, with nearly $15,000 raised so far. While they continue to work toward their goal, the students are also making cards for Emily, who is recovering from surgery. They plan to surprise her with the new playground when she returns to school in mid-November.
“There will be a ramp so she can walk up with her walker,” explained fifth grader Sophia Martinez. “There will also be a slide and swings that everyone can enjoy, making sure she feels included.”
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In summary, the students at Tobey Elementary are making significant strides to create an inclusive playground for their classmate, Emily. Their fundraising campaign and dedication to making play accessible for all children is a heartwarming reminder of the power of kindness and community.