Playground Renovation Grant from the Christopher Family Foundation

In this season of Thanksgiving, we have much to celebrate.  Recently, we received word from the Christopher Family Foundation that we are recipients of a $40,000 grant to renovate our playground.  We are overwhelmed with gratitude for this generous gift and for the Foundation's support of the mission of Lutheran Day Nursery and Early Childhood Center.

Our existing playground no longer meets the Illinois state safety standards for preschool children or the standards of our accrediting body, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  Our equipment is antiquated, our playground surface is hazardous and our space does not currently accommodate infants and toddlers.  Research has confirmed that physical activity is vital to the brain and cognitive development of young children.  The grant will help us provide a state-of-the-art play area for all our children that will improve their gross motor skills, engage them in dramatic play and development and promote healthy brain development.

While $40,000 seems like a lot of money, the total cost of the playground renovation exceeds the grant.  We need to raise at least $20,000 to complete the project.  If you would like to make a donation to help us reach the $60,000 goal, please make an online donation at www.lutherandaynursery.org or send your gift to Lutheran Day Nursery, 1802 N. Fairfield Ave.  Chicago, IL   60647.

Watch for updates on the renovation and our efforts to reach our financial goal.