Jenn Zimmerman and Lisa Thiele knew they had a big task in front of them earlier this year when they approached the Alberton School Board and requested permission to raise funds for new playground equipment for the school. The project would cost $60,000.

Now, thanks to a recent donation from Plum Creek, they are $2,500 closer to reaching that goal. To date, the two women, who both have young children at the school, have raised $43,000. 

“It looks like they’ll make their goal by spring,” said Kyle Fisher, Alberton School’s principal. 

Indeed, things are looking positive. 

“We have a couple more grants we’re waiting for to come in,” said Zimmerman, “and we should make it.”

Neither Zimmerman nor Thiele had any grant-writing experience, but they spent many weekends getting together to do just that.  They’ve received 25 grants, including $10,000 from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, $15,000 from Kaboom, and $2,500 from NorthWestern Energy.

They also raised $1,231 from yard sales, and donation cans placed around town. Plus, $200 from a Pie-in-the-Face competition at the school, where the “winning” teacher will be on the receiving end of the pie.

“It’s been a labor of love,” said Zimmerman. “Our children, plus my nieces and nephews, attend the school. The playground equipment is old and outdated and we wanted to do something for the school, and the community.”

Mike Vetter, senior resource forester with Plum Creek, drove out to Alberton from Missoula on Wednesday, Dec. 9, to deliver the $2,500 to the school. Zimmerman and Thiele were unable to accept the check and so Vetter handed it to Fisher.

“We’re glad to be a part of this project,” said Vetter. 

Plum Creek reviews grant requests on a quarterly basis. They award grants to rural communities that do not have access to a wide range of services. 

The equipment, which will be purchased from Northwest Playground Equipment, will replace the existing slides, swings and other equipment. The basketball hoops will also be replaced. Northwest will help with the installation, and the project will require about 20 additional volunteers to help.