The impact of the pandemic on our children continues to unfold. When schools closed in 2020, many children who live in unsafe neighborhoods didn’t leave their homes to run and play for many months. Playworks’ Coach Sophie learned just how hard that could be for children in her school community when she met Naija, a little girl who was too scared to play and would burst into tears every time she saw Coach Sophie.

Playworks is the leading nonprofit leveraging playtime to bring out the best in every kid. Play is critical for kids because it is where they can get active, build relationships, and practice life skills like teamwork all while having fun.

Prior to the pandemic, a first grader would have had these skills, but Najia needed more support with navigating the playground. Najia was scared of interacting with new people, didn’t know the rules of the games, or how to get invited to play by her peers.

Determined to ensure kids like Naija felt included in her school community, Coach Sophie taught fun and engaging games to Najia’s class before they were introduced on the playground so everyone had a chance to try. Soon Najia was jumping into games, connecting with friends, and smiling and waving to Coach Sophie on the playground.

Your support helps kids like Najia.

John, your gift of $125, $75, or $50 gives more kids access to the play they need and deserve. Your gift to Playworks will be matched 1:1 through the end of the year!

Give kids in our community the opportunity to experience the joy of playing again.