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Members of the Western Illinois University Fraternal Order of the Police (FOP) No. 169 recently presented $100 to Western's Infant and Preschool Center to go toward new playground equipment. Pictured l to r: Sara Simonson, chair of curriculum and instruction; Sherri Moon, Infant and Preschool Center director; Elizabeth Henley, FOP president and WIU police officer; Derek Watts, WIU police sergeant; and Ted Anderson, WIU police corporal.
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Children assist with putting together some of the tables and benches that are able to stay outside for all-weather play.
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The windows looking out to the playground get an updated look.
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Sherri Moon, faculty assistant in the Infant and Preschool Center, said, "The sand and water table does the same, and it allows the children to be in charge of their own learning, which allows them to discover, explore and answer their own questions."
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WIU Fraternal Order of the Police Donates to Infant and Preschool Center

October 13, 2015

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MACOMB, IL - - Members of the Western Illinois University Fraternal Order of the Police (FOP) No. 169 recently presented $100 to Western's Infant and Preschool Center to go toward new playground equipment.

"The WIU FOP Lodge No. 169 chose to donate to the Horrabin Hall Infant and Preschool Center because it was an opportunity to give to a great cause on campus," said Derek Watts, WIU Office of Public Safety police sergeant. "We hope our gift will help provide hours of fun and learning for the children."

The WIU Department of Curriculum and Instruction held a Cookout for Kids fundraiser Friday, Oct. 2 as the first fundraiser of the year to raise money for the planned playground upgrades. During the event, three WIU Office of Public Safety officers were on hand to present a check to Sherri Moon, director of the Infant and Preschool Center.

This is the first fundraiser to be held this year; however, the center has already raised money to purchase a nature art table for the children to use to look for beauty and patterns in nature, a sand and water table, wooden benches and tables that are able to stay outside for all-weather play and large wooden blocks and ramps to encourage the children to build and create together.

"The blocks and ramps inspire problem solving, open-ended play, experimentation and creativity," Moon said. "The sand and water table does the same, and it allows the children to be in charge of their own learning, which allows them to discover, explore and answer their own questions. We want to bring our indoor learning outside to have an outside nature classroom."

According to Moon, the group still wants to finish the bamboo fencing they have started to install around the playground, as well as continue to purchase updated items for their "dream nature playground," including a preschool climber and swings.

"The children love music, so I would like to continue to add to our outdoor musical area, too," Moon added.

For more information about the Infant and Preschool Center, or to donate, contact Moon at SR-Moon@wiu.edu or at (309) 298-1250.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing