Royse said that, with the original goal still beyond reach, Irving found a smaller playground set at less than half the cost of the first set.

Another breakthrough came in December, with the closing of Memorial Christian Church, 4200 W. Okmulgee Ave. Proceeds from the sale were divided among the church’s 16 remaining members, on the condition they pass their money to a non-profit organization. Member Rose Hammer donated her share — $10,000 — to the school.

“When you put great people together, great things happen,” Bradley said. “Other people read about our efforts. People who had formerly attended Irving read about us and offered to help.”

So did others: Barry Love of Love Bottling; Lillian Jayne, the Realtor; and Budo Perry in Fort Gibson stepped in and made generous donations.

Overall, the school and community raised $26,000 for the set, Bradley said.

Bradley said the district paid for installing the playground and preparing the ground.

By the end of the year, Irving got some new playground toys, including new balls and hoops.

Construction on the new playground set began the last couple days of the school year in May.

Bradley said the successful fundraising shows how schools and the community can work together.

“It does take a village to raise a child,” she said.

Royse said she drove by Irving’s new playground set recently, “and it was a wonderful feeling.”

“It’s wonderful that we accomplished it, that we completed it,” she said. “It shows that the school and the community can get together and get it done. The proof is right there.”

She said her sixth-grade daughter was afraid she wouldn’t get new playground equipment before she left Irving. Not any longer.

“This year’s going to be a lot different,” Kayla said.

Reach Cathy Spaulding at 918-684-2928 or Click Here to Send Email