Fayette Elementary School in McAlisterville is in the running to win a $30,000 playground makeover, and parents sent CBS 21 an email asking for your help.
“This is the classic story of the underdog, and we are all hoping and working for the happy ending,” said a parent involved in the effort to gather codes for the Dannon Rally for Recess contest.
It all started when Tyler Barth, a first grader at Fayette Elementary School noticed the box of his favorite smoothies said you could win a new playground. “Tyler loves the Dannon Danimals smoothies, so when he noticed the Rally for Recess promotion, we decided to enter the codes,” said Kelly Barth. Word spread that Fayette was doing well in the national contest and parents quickly got involved.
“Basically we need to get points by collecting codes on Danimals smoothie drinks or Danonino yogurt packaged with Rally for Recess on the outside,” said Kelly Barth. “The code will be on the inside of they cardboard and will be a combo of 10 letters and/or numbers. You can enter them at www.rallyforrecess.com.”
“We can also get free codes by mailing in a request,” added Ruth Hunter who has been instrumental in the success thus far. “ We have tons of envelopes ready to be mailed but we need postage to do so.”
“This is all about the kids,” a contributor noted. “Its up to the community to win this contest for the kids.”
The current playground equipment at Fayette Elementary has been in place for over 20 years. “It’s the playground equipment I used as a student at Fayette, and now my daughter is playing on that same equipment,” added one parent.
The parents who have been actively collecting codes calculate that they are very close to the top spot in the “Wildcat League” for schools with 200 to 400 students. The school currently leading the division is a Catholic school in Milford, Connecticut.
“We are the underdogs in the contest, but I think that has helped motivate us,” said Christa Watson. “Its so nice to hear from people who haven’t had kids in school for years, but they are still eager to help anyway they can. The unity of this area is remarkable.”
If you’d like to get involved, you can visit Fayette’s Rally for Recess Facebook Page, or donate funds for postage at http://www.gofundme.com/helpfayette. You can also drop off postage at one of the following area businesses: Cocolamus Creek Disposal, Lost Creek Cycles, or Rickenbaugh Building Supply.
(Note - the picture used is not the actual equipment currently at the Fayette Elementary School)