Sage YMCA Staff Donates Buddy Bench, Tree In Memory of AJ

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Andrew “AJ” Freund will be honored by the Sage YMCA with a buddy bench and tree at the YMCA’s community playground. The Sage YMCA, 701 Manor Road, will hold a buddy bench and tree dedication in honor of AJ from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Saturday at its community playground.

“Saturday’s event will be a time to gather and honor AJ,” according to the Sage YMCA Facebook page.

The bench and tree were donated by staff of the Sage YMCA in honor of the 5-year-old boy. The “buddy bench” aims to promote friendship and ensure every child has a place on the playground, according to the Sage YMCA.

The buddy bench will be a special kids-sized bench. It’s a place for all kids in the area/neighborhood near the Sage Y plus used by members of the Sage Y, preschoolers and summer camp participants.

“The staff felt really compelled to do something to honor AJ, and the bench will bear AJ’s name,” according to the YMCA’s Facebook page.

Children using the playground will be instructed to monitor the bench for other children feeling lonely, isolated or without someone to play with.

If they see another kid sitting there, they’re supposed to go over and talk with the kid or ask him or her to come over and play with them.