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Lambda Theta Phi fundraised and built playground at Hayward Corps
By Sydney Fong –
At the Hayward Corps, children are getting used to seeing a new playground.
“I usually just go into the computer lab,” said Matthew, 6. But now he’s enjoying a new play structure funded by the Lambda Theta Phi fraternity at California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), which raised $2,500 during a three-month period this past spring.
“I just noticed that there was nothing for the kids to play with,” said Javier Lopez Carlos, CSUEB junior and former volunteer of the Hayward Corps’ after-school program, who spearheaded the project. “I asked my guys to consider this for a project and they were all in.”
After months of fundraising and planning, 12 fraternity members and volunteers from the First Presbyterian Church in Castro Valley participated in the seven-hour construction of the playground Sept. 19.
“I’m happy that we were here to complete this,” said Marco Rodriguez, Lambda member and CSUEB junior. “Some of the kids were waiting for a long time for us to finish, and when we did, they got on and smiled, so I was happy with that.”
For the Hayward Corps, the playground is a vital component to the corps’ youth programs.
“The playground represents how the Hayward Corps can be a safe and fun environment for the children who spend their time here,” said Lt. John Kelley, Hayward Corps officer. “We’re very blessed for everyone who stepped up and made this a reality.”
