April 10, 2003

BLAZERS, UNION 76 GIVE ALBINA HEAD START KIDS THE CHANCE TO MAKE THEIR DREAM PLAYGROUND

They would know best! Kids from Albina Head Start gave input to Blaze, the Blazers and Union 76 representatives about the state of their new playgrounds. Union 76 is donating money to refurbish the playgrounds at several Albina Head Start Centers, including the Lutheran Center. While not the first community resoration effort directed by Union 76, the community playground restoration project is their first endevor with Head Start.

The children drew their dream playground for the representatives and explained each drawing in detail. The children were then asked to create a mural of the art. While the eighty children who participated did differ in exactly how they invisioned their ideal playgroud, common and neccessary items included swings, monkey bars, slides and merry-go-rounds.

Blaze and the Blazers were happy to hear many of the children, who ages ranged from three to five, ask for basketball hoops. Each child was given a "Hoops for head Start" t-shirt and Blazer patches to remember the day.

Blaze was all smiles as the children proudly revealed their ingenious ideas for their new playgrounds. For the group of children involved, it was a memorable day. Blaze, playgrounds and drawing, what more could a child ask for?

Each time the Blazers make a 3-point shot in a televised game, Union 76 donates $50 to refurbish the Albina Head Start playgrounds around Portland. This donation, expected to be $10,000, will provide new playgrounds for the kids to enjoy courtesy of Union 76.