Parkridge Playmakers

Who We Are

We are the Parkridge Playmakers, a group of students at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, passionate about helping at-risk youth achieve current and future success. As college students, we value the individuals that supported us throughout our childhood and the mentorship opportunities that have impacted us in our careers thus far. Therefore, we have chosen to partner with Thrive, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to transform the lives of children in the underserved communities of Lonsdale, Parkridge, New Hopewell, and West View.

In 1998, Thrive was established in Lonsdale as a response to urban blight and increased gang violence in the community. Its mission has been to help communities pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical "wholeness" ever since. Thrive carries out this mission through after-school programs, summer programs, and mentoring on four different campuses. Children participating in Thrive’s free programs benefit from tutoring, reading lessons, bible studies, outside playtime, home-cooked meals, and caring relationships.

What We Need

Thrive greatly values a child’s playtime, prioritizing both their physical and mental development. Not only does it help children remain active and healthy, this playtime encourages healthy socialization and creativity.

While Thrive’s Parkridge campus has been graciously given a portion of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church’s facility to use, much of the available playground equipment has become worn down and broken, leaving kids with only a swing set and basketball court. The limited playground space at Thrive Parkridge does not require a complete renovation but needs small pieces of equipment to facilitate more beneficial and fun activities.

Through this campaign, we are seeking to raise $1,200 for the children at Thrive Parkridge to have a safe and stimulating space to play. This donation could purchase a new $1000 swing set with an attached slide. It could also provide Thrive Parkridge students with smaller items such as an $80 seesaw and several new jump ropes and basketballs.

The full amount of money raised will be used directly by Thrive to refresh its playground with new equipment. By fostering healthy development and positive relationships, we can further strengthen the Parkridge community with this donation.

How It Helps

For a child, having unstructured, outdoor playtime is one of the most crucial parts of their development. Kids need freedom to run around, expend their energy, and feel both safe and excited about the environment they are in. Creating this environment at Thrive Parkridge is essential to being a successful program that students want to participate in.

With its proximity to Downtown Knoxville, Parkridge remains vulnerable to gentrification. These neighborhood “renovations” often bring higher costs of living without an increase in household income, making it more difficult for Parkridge natives to live in their community. An enriching youth program like Thrive serves as an enormous help to parents. Thrive Parkridge’s free childcare affords parents an opportunity to earn supplemental income, save money on groceries, and provide their children with invaluable developmental experiences.

How Else You Can Help

If you cannot help monetarily, you can assist Thrive Parkridge by sharing this GoFundMe campaign online and encouraging others to donate. Additionally, Thrive is always helped by donating books, providing meals, or volunteering your time and skills as a tutor, teacher, or mentor. Follow Thrive Parkridge’s pursuit of wholeness on Facebook, and click here to learn more about the organization as a whole.

We want kids to do far more than just survive. Let’s help them thrive!