The pandemic has upended how children play, an essential factor in their healthy emotional, cognitive, and social development. Not surprisingly, children in countries across the world unanimously indicated that they missed playing with their peers and felt the effects of loneliness from the lack of play in their lives.

This year, we'll be partnering with our friends at Highland Renaissance Academy, Crossnore Elementary Avery County, and Tomorrow's Youth Organization in Palestine to provide them ample space and resources to play.

With your generous donations, we will purchase a Gaga Pit, a fenced-in area designed for competitive and collaborative games for Highland Renaissance Academy. We'll also update their playground area to do outdoor recreation during school hours so all the Highland students can do outdoor recreation. For our friends at Crossnore Elementary Avery County, we'll be funding the 4th and 5th-grade field trip to Biltmore House. In the spring of 2022, students will get a tour of the beautiful estate, have a lovely meal in the estate restaurant, and enjoy exploring the gardens and grounds with their friends. Our young friends in Palestine will receive a completely new outdoor space, including a playground and sports fields.

We are also partnering with Crisis Assistance Ministry to help them provide assistance  and advocacy for people in financial crisis, helping them move toward self-sufficiency. We will be sending them monetary offerings and donations of diapers, wipes & formula.

To make an offering, please visit www.covenantpresby.org/give.