Ice Cream For Islands Playground Huge Success
In a 3 On Your Side follow up, the community is coming together to help the students at Islands Elementary get a new playground for exercise.
We showed you the rusty pieces of equipment, rotting railroad ties and basketball hoops that are much too high for the children.
Right now, all the children can do is walk around and around. Getting a new playground is not just for playing but for exercise.
"With upper body strength, and all of those things give the children the outlet to be able to move. If they can move, then we're talking about burning off calories, but specifics they need the upper body strength and they need the work on their balance and those things tie in with their academics as well.” Explains Nancy Neff, physical education teacher at Islands Elementary School.
"70 % of our students qualify for free or reduced lunches. There's not a lot for us to pull from the parents, they love their kids, they want the best for their kids and they provide all that they can, we just don't have the type of budget that allows us to raise the money that we need for a playground so what we're trying to do is reach out to the community.” Says Sandra Cason, the chairperson of school council at Islands Elementary.
The school district ripped out all of the rusted equipment at the end of February.
Now, the children need new pieces to play on, but that is going to be pretty expensive, at least $35,000.
After seeing our story, businesses and community groups wanted to help out.
Tonight, 3 On Your Side education reporter, Randi Hempel, brings us the scoop on what the owners of Tradewinds Homemade Ice Cream and Coffee are doing to help the school.
“Can I get gummy bears on mine? Gummy bears, sure, thank you.” 5th grader Azrael DuBose orders from an Islands Elementary teacher.
Islands Elementary 5th grader, Azrael DuBose thinks it's really cool that teachers are scooping ice cream at Tradewinds; all to raise money for a new playground at the school.
“We really do need a playground and so it's going to be awesome. And, well, let's just hope we get a new playground because we all need are exercise.” Says Azrael.
That's why the owners, Mat and Debbie Spinks, are dishing out the dough.
All of the proceeds from Tuesday night are going to the playground project.
“Most people that you meet are not that generous but these people are really really nice to do this for us.” Says Islands Elementary 5th grader, Jasmyne Hester.
“The ability to give what you have, for Debbie, my wife, and myself to give what you have is our time and our energy and our shop and then to have people run with it and promote it and really get people to be behind it is extraordinary.” Explains Mat Spinks, owner of Tradewinds Homemade Ice Cream and Coffee.
“A cone.” A child orders from Tybee Island mayor, Jason Buelterman.
“Like a waffle cone or a sugar cone?” Buelterman asks.
Tybee Island mayor and Johnson High IB program coordinator, Jason Buelterman, is just one of those in the community serving up generosity.
“They have all kinds of celebrities, you'll be back here in a little bit doing this, so it's been great. It's great to see the people from the school community come out and support this.” Explains Buelterman.
Tradewinds has been packed since 3:15 Tuesday. Owner Mat Spinks says business has doubled, all thanks to teachers, students, and the community.
“It's a great feeling to see them help out.” Says Susan Bryant, school psychologist for the district.
And put smiles on these children's faces.
Russ Riesinger, Kim Gusby and I had a great time scooping ice cream for a great cause.
Tradewinds Homemade Ice Cream and Coffee owners tell us they made more than $1,200, more than double what they were anticipating.
Tradewinds is located on Whitmarsh Island Road, next to Jalapeno's. Click here for a map.
For more information on the playground and the history of the work of Physical Education teacher, Nancy Neff, and others, read and watch the stories below.
Jan. 21 - Playground Needed, How You Can Help
Jan. 25 - Island Elementary Playground, Dreams Can Come True
Feb. 20 - Playground Progress: Old Pieces Removed
To help out or donate, you can call the school at 912-898-3900.
You can drop off donations at several locations: the school, Sea Island Bank, Barnes Restaurant, Tradewinds, and Blue Bamboo Hair Design, next to Sanders Store in Mercer Crossing on Wilmington Island.
For more information on Tradewinds Homemade Ice Cream and Coffee, click here. (The coconut tree on the left is the main navigation of the page.)
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