Vote to Help GPS Build a Playground

Parents, educators and volunteers are joining forces in an effort to secure enough funds to build a playground for Gilroy Prep School, a charter school that opened it doors in August.

The school, previously a high school, currently lacks a playground for the kiddies, according to Dyane Alcantar, a parent board member for Gilroy Prep School.

"Since we are located on a campus that previously served as a high school, there isn't a playground for the children to play during recess or lunch," Alcantar said.

"I think it's a very important part of a school that we're currently missing, and I want to do anything I can to try and make it happen."

Alcantar, who also has a five year old attending GPS, said the school's raising funds through the Pepsi Refresh Project. The project offers grants to in-need organizations that will use the money toward bettering their community, Alcantar said.

"It offers four tiers of grant amounts: $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 and and $50,000," She said.  "In order to receive the funds, you would need to promote the project through the school, and to the community, in order to get enough votes and earn the grant."

The school is going for the $50,000 Refresh Everything Grant, which will be awarded to the projects with the highest number of votes. In order to receive the money the project needs to rank within the top 10 projects.

As of now, Alcantar said the school has raised some funds, but that she's not sure how close they are to reaching their goal—something she believes will be difficult to accomplish because of the large sum needed.

So, how can you help? By visiting the school's Pepsi Refresh Project page and voting.

Those interested in casting a vote toward a playground for the charter school have until Dec. 31st to do so. Votes can be made on the Gilroy Prep School homepage as well.

Individuals who would like to donate directly can do so through PayPal. The PayPal button can be accessed on the Gilroy Prep School homepage, to the right of the Pepsi graphic.

Interested individuals can also mail checks directly to the school, at 277 Ioof Avenue, Gilroy, CA 95020. And note in the memo that the check is being made to support the playground's construction.