More things for children to do is frequently the answer people give on the  Fifteen Minutes of Fame form each week. Well, something more is being planned.

Donna Thompson, an aide at the Fredericktown Intermediate School, has been diligently working on raising funds and gathering community support for a playground for disabled children.

She is working with the Madison County Council on Developmentally Disabled (MCCDD), the Sheltered Workshop and the City of Fredericktown Parks Department.

Thompson said she has gotten  a lot of help and support from Amy Phillips, local restaurants and businesses, and others in the area; including First State Community Bank President Bob Schwent.  Thompson said he donated $500 toward the project and “challenges any of his friends” to match his donation. Thompson said Robin Vance of Vance Winery and Vineyard has been incredibly wonderful too.

Identifying one of the fundraising efforts Thompson said, “We will be working as waitresses at Ole Times Country Cafe on Saturday, August 2.” Any tips the ladies receive will go toward the playground project she said.  They will be there from 7 A.M. to 2 P.M..

Raffles are planned as well to help raise funds.

Thompson said she has already raised about $6,000 in donations and has about another $2,000 in verbal pledges of support. Her goal is to raise at least $25,000.     

The playground is still in the planning stages..

The playground would have  special materials covering the cement base. Pea gravel could not be used because wheelchairs could get through the gravel. Ramps would allow children in wheelchairs to access the playground and adaptive equipment would be in place so the children can do more things on their own, such as playing on lowered parallel bars.

For more information on this project call Donna Thompson, 783-7976.