‘Something special’: Kids at Grace Fellowship Church thankful for new playground

AVIS — Pastor Drew Collins at Grace Fellowship Church in Avis decided not long ago the church had gone too long without something special for the kids — a playground. Every other demographic involved in the church had something there for them — a pavilion, a prayer garden, a youth center, a community garden, a nursery and a beautiful sanctuary.

It was never brought up in budget meetings, according to Collins, but he mentioned the idea to his good friend Tom Krouse.

“He hit the ground running!” said Collins, “Tom did the leg work, wheeling and dealing and researching until he finally struck gold by finding a deal too good to pass up at Nittany Woodcrafters. I then asked the congregation for donations and the race was on.”

A few weeks later, all of the funds needed for the playground were in the donation bucket.

Krouse got the donations started and Dave Gundy introduced Jersey Shore State Bank into the situation, who also gave generously. The congregation came together and threw in the rest. Before they knew it, Steve Krouse was leveling the land, Saars Tree Trimming brought the mulch and Elmer Beiler from Nittany Woodcrafters was on scene to install a monster of a play set.

Collins and the children were thankful to everyone who was involved in the project from start to finish.

“To all of you that had a hand in this, we are eternally grateful and you have made these kids extremely happy. On behalf of Grace Fellowship Church, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and may God richly bless you!” he said.