Des Moines, Iowa – Children & Families of Iowa’s (CFI) Lou Williams Variety Club Children’s Center celebrated the completion of a new playground built using funds received from Variety – The Children’s Charity.
The project is the first improvement to CFI’s metro area facilities as part of the Building Futures Capital Campaign. A gift from Variety – The Children’s Charity, in the amount of $50,000, allowed the playground to be transformed from dated swing sets to modern equipment that can accommodate up to 20 children during playtime. The structure provides added safety measures, complete with a rubber surface. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Monday, August 13 in celebration of this generous donation.
“Variety – The Children’s Charity is pleased to provide this new playground to children attending the center,” says Variety – The Children’s Charity Executive Director Sheri McMichael. “With more than 250 children served each year, we know that it will be appreciated and used by many children for years to come.”
CFI’s program provides affordable, quality childcare for low-income families. “For many of the children we serve, this is the only chance they have to play outdoors. With many of the children living in apartments that lack a safe area for play, they do not have the opportunity at home,” says CFI Executive Director Gloria Gray. “Regular physical outdoor activity is good for children’s growth and development and we are pleased we can offer that opportunity.”
CFI is nearing completion of the capital campaign and will begin improvements on other area facilities this fall.
