Playground Shed Built By SUPSHIP Newport News, Painted by UPS

Toy Shed In The Making
October 2011

When our children needed a playground shed, local volunteers sprang into action! As part of their United Way Day of Caring project, a crew from SUPSHIP Newport News worked for two days (much of it in the rain!) to construct our beautiful new outbuilding for the children's many trikes, balls and hula hoops. The workers represented SUPSHIP management, members of NAIL Local 2 (National Association of Independent Labor) and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. Next up, UPS volunteers will paint the shed (and maybe the town!) red.

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SUPSHIP NEWPORT NEWS VOLUNTEERS

As work begins, the volunteers do a side project and plant two shade (maple) trees to either side of the toddler playground!	Project leader Jake Allen and volunteer Brandy Russell consult with DHCDC Executive Director Jaynelle Oehler to finalize the exact location for the shed.

The groundwork is laid and measured!

It all starts with a sturdy foundation...	Project manager Jake Allen leads Rick Nicholas, Brandy Russell and Ryan Gonzales on beginning the framework for the walls.
Rain comes down as the wall boards go up!	Many hands make (somewhat) light work.

Soggy grass and wet tools did not slow them down at all!	Brandy Russell, Rick Nicholas and Bobby Abuel pause for a smile... perhaps because the rain stopped (temporarily!).
Most of the Day 1 crew!	Everyone takes a load off while enjoying sandwiches and chips from Panera Bread Company.
After naptime, some of the children come out to watch... and help!
Hammer time!	How many 4-year-olds does it take to lift a sledge hammer?
The children marvel as the final wall nears completion.	An inside look at their new shed...
DAY 2! With a few changeovers in crew members, the shed is now taking on a roof.	Ready for the rain this time, local contractor (and recently retired SUPSHIP employee) Mark Bridges sets up his saw station beneath a canopy.
Sawing old-school, Elita Brown makes use of our heavy-duty picnic benches.	Mark Bridges begins constructing our custom shed doors, with the help of Jim Swarmer, Elita Brown, Stephanie Eldredge and Dawn Carper.
Undeterred by heights, the crew puts finishing touches on the roof before the shingling process begins.	The roof is now papered and ready for shingles, thanks to final steps by Kevin Shea and Jim Swarmer.
The doors in place, everyone bands together to finish tacking shingles before the day is over.	Complete! Mark Bridges graciously returned over the weekend to add the hardware to his beautiful custom doors, and the children arrived Monday to find this wonderful shed awaiting.
Vista of the shed on its home beside the tricycle trail and picnic area. It also gave us the unexpected bonus of shade! All it needs now is a couple of coats of paint... Page 1 • Page 2

MANY THANKS TO OUR SUPSHIP VOLUNTEERS:

Bobby Abuel Jake Allen Mark Bridges Elita Brown Dawn Carper Dot Cox Stephanie Eldredge Ryan Gonzales	Barry Jones David Knox Steve Nelson Rick Nicholas Brandy Russell Kevin Shea Jim Swarmer
The team would like to dedicate this shed to the memory of their colleague and friend Cip Duran, who volunteered at DHCDC during previous Day of Caring projects.