Veterans Improve Playground for Notre Dame Preschool

More than 30 volunteers gathered at Notre Dame Preschool Saturday to improve the school’s playground for students in the fall.

The volunteers were from The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization made up of veterans who identify and organize service projects in the community.

Heading this mission was James Casey, a U.S. Army veteran who has been deployed three times as a Psychological Operations Specialist.

The preschool came in contact with Casey through a parent who learned that the school was in need of help to build a better playground.

“We had just begun trying to develop a playground for our students so we’ve been in need of a shed to help store our toys and things,” said Marlene Breihan, who teaches 3-year-olds at the school. “(Casey) was in charge of it and got the ball rolling.”

Casey and 30 volunteers with the service organization built a shed, spread grass seed and painted the school’s office.

New playground equipment, which was installed this summer, was donated by parents in the school.

“We’re very fortunate with our parents,” Breihan said. “They’re so giving with time and any donation.

Breihan also said Casey would continue to raise money to have rubberized safety gravel put down on the new playground.

“I had never heard of The Mission Continues until this and it’s so well organized,” Breihan said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what takes place now.”