×

Boy raises funds for swing

Deborah Prescott | Daily Press Cameron Elementary School Principal Lori Neurohr and Kindergartner Declan Smith stand together at school before spring break. Smith raised $750 on his own, doing jobs and fundraisers to raise money, for the school to purchase an ADA compliant swing for the playground. Smith saw a swing like it last May. The swing will be installed in the spring after the snow is gone.

GLADSTONE — Declan Smith, a kindergartner at Cameron Elementary School in Gladstone, raised $750 to install an ADA compliant playground swing to help other children feel included on the playground.

After seeing a bucket-looking swing on a playground last May, he asked his mother why it was different than the other swings. His mother explained that everyone isn’t able to play as he does, and explained people have different abilities. Smith told his mother his playground at school didn’t have a swing like that and he wondered how he could help get one. His mother told him, if he would like to see change, he has to be the change.

The next day Smith approached his principal and asked if it would be alright if he raised money to add an ADA compliant swing to the school playground.

“First I had to wipe away my tears, then I said it was ok,” said Cameron Principal Lori Neurohr. “I am so proud of Declan. He is an admirable young man.”

To raise the money, Smith started to do many odd jobs and fundraisers. He did anything he could. Smith worked hard and everything he made during the year he put toward the playground swing, Smith’s mother said.

“I did a lemon-aide stand last year,” said Smith. “And a raffle this year.”

Smith and his grandmother rode golf carts on the cart path at Irish Oaks Golf Course in Gladstone last summer. He asked golfers if they wanted a golf tip, for one dollar. Golfers interested gave Smith a dollar and he would tell them his golf tip, “hit the ball into the hole.”

After the snow melts, all of Smith’s hard work will be presented for everyone to see.

“The swing will be installed with the other equipment the PTO is purchasing this spring,” said Neurohr. “All of Declan’s money will go towards the swing. If there is any money left over, we will put it towards another swing, or additional playground equipment.”

Smith’s timing of raising money for playground equipment ended up perfectly in line with the Cameron Elementary Parent Teacher Organization’s (PTO) plan to start a playground fundraiser this year in order to replace old pieces of playground equipment in the spring. They will remove existing structures that have been deemed as unsafe and inadequate.

A Gaga Pit was installed last fall for a kinder dodge ball experience for children. The game is played in an octagonal pit and is considered fast-paced. There are plans to install a cozy dome and other sensory panels.

“The PTO has a fundraising goal of $65,000. They already have almost half of that,” said Neurohr. “The plans are to put in a Global Motion, Cozy Coupe and Declan’s swing this spring, with plans for another small structure for preschool-aged children since this playground is used by the community for children of all ages.”

The Cameron playground is a community playground, a save-haven used as a community park not just used by children who go to the school. The Cameron Elementary PTO would gladly accept any donations to aid in their fundraiser. Contact the school or PTO to make a donation.

Smith saw an opportunity to include everyone in fun and acted on it. He continues to do what he can to raise money for the playground. Smith’s mother said he is very emphatic and would like everyone to have fun and be included.

“So everyone can have a turn,” said Smith.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today