KNOX – Knox Middle School will soon have an Outdoor Play & Learn Space if their crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by April 1st.
If successful, the project, led by the Knox Middle School PTO, will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program. This will effectively double the community’s donations, but only if the $50,000 goal is met by April 1st!
Knox Middle School PTO Vice President Jake McIntire shared, “Students and staff are very excited to see this project happen. Funds from this campaign will create an outdoor space with a pavilion, picnic tables, swings, and additional play equipment that can be used for outdoor learning, recess, and community events. The space will serve nearly 500 students in grades 5–8, support teachers in outdoor instruction and be used for community events, including the annual KMS Block Party and KMS Trunk-or-Treat.”
Part of the effort to make this space happen came from a plastic lid recycling drive the middle school held that began in October. The lids will be recycled into outdoor furniture. The original goal was for middle schoolers to collect 3,000 pounds of plastic lids and caps by May 1st; and the drive ended early with more than enough lids for the project. McIntire noted that a large portion of those came from Knox Fertilizer, who he said donated 1,800 pounds of caps that they were going to recycle.
McIntire expressed gratitude to those who have already donated, and shared donation information for those who would like to help see this project built:
“We do have a website, it’s Patronicity.com/KMSPTO all the info is there and donations can be accepted there … They can also reach out to me directly at 574-806-1226 if you have any questions or need more information, I’m glad to answer those questions.”
Donor gifts include at different levels: shout-outs on the KMS PTO Facebook page, personal thank you letters and invitations to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a name or dedication included on signage near the outdoor area, engraved bricks that will be placed in the area, and personalized plaques displaying donor’s support.
