Elkton Elementary raising money for an all-abilities playground

The Elkton Elementary School PTA is hosting a special event called "Pasta for the Playground" on Friday, February 9, 2018. This will help them to raise money for their playground to become an "all abilities" playground.

The PTA started this initiative after watching a student in a wheelchair miss out on field day, according to PTA president Iva Meadows.

"He's just sitting in his wheelchair watching them run around and play, and we decided that he needed to be able to get out there and play with them," said Meadows.

As of now, there is only one wheelchair-accessible swing for students who are disabled.

Their first fundraiser was auctioning off a Yeti cooler that was donated. They raised $515 from that, but each piece of equipment cost an estimated $1,000, so that doesn't go far.

Right now, they are focused on getting a ramp, so the kids in the wheelchairs can get onto the playground. Then they want to get a tic-tac-toe board that is all-inclusive. Their goal is to continue adding accessible pieces to the playground.

A fourth grade student named Kenny Harlow has Muscular Dystrophy, which left him in a wheelchair four years ago. His mom, Heather Harlow, said it is difficult to see him separated from the other children now that he is in a wheelchair.

"It's sad, because he's here most of the day, and I would like for him to have something to do other than the swing, and that's about the only thing," said Harlow. "For Kenny, he says that's just boring, and he says he feels like he can't play with his other friends, because he has nothing to do, and that's been something we've struggled with since he was put in a chair."

Brandy Jenkins's son, Andrew Jenkins, is in second grade and has dislocated knee caps. He was in a wheelchair for a while, and struggled with the same problems as Kenny. Now he is able to walk, but is preparing for a surgery, which will put him in a wheelchair again.

"They're still the same and they need to be treated like a regular kid with no health issues," said Jenkins.

Both of the boys are excited to think about the potential of a new playground where they can join their friends.

If you are interested in attending the "Pasta for the Playground" fundraiser, you can RSVP by calling Elkton Elementary School at (540)-298-1511, or show up to the event on Friday night.

It is from 4:30-6 p.m. along the side entrance by the cafeteria at the school. The meal will be penne pasta from Mama Mia Restaurant, garlic knots, salad and dessert.

For those who pre-pay, the cost is $10 for adults and $8 for kids (10 and under). The cost at the door is $12 for adults and $8 for kids.