With an end in sight as it reaches its halfway point to raise funds for a new playground to replace its outdated set, the PTO of Emerick Elementary takes its fundraising efforts up a notch, asking the community for help.

"Without funding from the county for playground equipment, it's up to us," says President of PTO Meredith Thomas. "Even the kids are chipping in to the fund ... it's very exciting for them!"

In recent weeks, after reviewing several proposals, the PTO selected "Gametime-Cunningham Associates" to build Emerick's new playground. After distributing ballot sheets, where every student voted on what type of equipment they wanted most (i.e. rock climbing walls vs. slides), there is a sense of ownership and they feel so much more involved.

They have been very creative collecting funds for their playground, even putting out a make-shift "cookie jar" where spare change was collected which proved to be a huge fundraising success. Additionally, with proceeds from the third grade class' Mailagram Valentine program, a check was presented in the amount of $200 to the PTO on March 5 with hopes that the goal is that much closer.

"It's been the buzz at school for several months," says Emerick's Principal Deborah Cookus. "The kids have a true sense of involvement and responsibility to reach the goal of having a state-of-the-art playground that they were able to help design and contribute towards."

"The playground will feature state of the art equipment that will provide a fun and physical environment for the children of Emerick," says Marcy Hudson, Co-chair of the Playground Committee. "Our current playground is over 18 years old with limited equipment and currently not being used by the upper grade level students."

The PTO is halfway to its fundraising goal of $55,000. While proceeds from PTO events and fundraisers throughout the year will benefit the playground fund, it is the generosity through donations from members of the Emerick family and community that will really help to tip the scales.

"Though the Emerick family, including grandparents, is so supportive of the playground fund, we are still very much in need of assistance from the community," continues Thomas. "Considering that our children really are our community's future, it is so important that we support them today."

If you or your organization would like to contribute towards the EMERICK PTO PLAYGROUND FUND, please send your donation to Emerick Elementary, 440 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, VA 20132.