The new piece of equipment, which features a rock wall, multiple slides, and monkey bar hoops, was installed with free labor provided by Loring Job Corps students.
“We’ve had the playground here since the 1960’s,” said Teaching Principal Heather Anderson. “It wasn’t until eight years ago that we decided to start making improvements. We were able to raise enough money for a new swingset after a year, but it has taken longer to save up for this piece of equipment.”
The new addition cost about $8,000. All of the money was raised through fund-raising events sponsored by the school and Booster Club.
“The biggest fund-raising event we have is the annual Hunter’s Breakfast at the Sacred Heart Church,” said Anderson. “We’ve also done raffles, penny drives, and a fund-raising event with Big Cheese where we volunteer to make pizzas. A portion of the profits from the pizza sales go to the fundraiser.”
Bus Driver and Custodian Percy Thibodeau says that this would not have been possible without the help of the Job Corps students.
“We wouldn’t have been able to afford it if it weren’t for them,” said Thibodeau. “Two groups of kids came out to help. One group dug the holes and poured the cement and the other group assembled the equipment together. All together it took about a week to build. They all did a very good job.”
Both Heather Anderson and Percy Thibodeau want to thank all members of the Booster Club, past and present, for their help over the years.
