PENNIES FOR OUR PLAYGROUND (P.O.P.)

On November 1, 2001, the twin infant boys of Michael and Carole Valentine died at birth. When friends and family asked what to do, Mike and Carole suggested that donations be made in Adam and Andrew’s memory to the Children’s Ministry here at St. Andrew’s. At that time, approximately $1200 was given in their memory. In discussions with Donna Thompson, Children’s Ministry Director at the time, it was decided that as we began our long term goal to expand our facilities, there would be a need for new playground equipment for our children, and donations should be marked for that purpose. Fast forward a few years—our Christian Life Center is nearly complete! It is time to start thinking about our children’s need for a safe play area while attending activities here at St. Andrew’s. Mike and Carole have stepped forward to initiate an effort, in coordination with Susan Morris and the Children’s Ministry team, to help raise the additional funds necessary to purchase new, safe, durable playground equipment for our children from pre-school to elementary school. They have suggested that we begin the effort with our own children by encouraging them to save their pennies, and bring them to church as donations for new equipment—“Pennies for Our Playground.” You may be thinking that kids saving pennies might not available to erect a pedestal for the statue to stand upon. It was through the saving of pennies by American school children that this monument to freedom stands as a beacon of hope in New York Harbor! The P.O.P. effort can begin with each of the children’s Sunday School Classes encouraging the kids to bring in their pennies each Sunday from July 31 to September 11. Wouldn’t it be great to share with the entire congregation during St. Andy’s Birthday Party on the September 11, how much our children have given to their church! Think of the life-long stewardship commitment that just a few pennies can start! Of course it is not just the children who can give to P.O.P.; any member or friend of St. Andrew’s can save their pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, dollar bills to donate. As the author Dr. Suess said, "Everyone can HOP ON POP!" The cost of our new playground equipment is $18,000.