Trip to New Orleans Working on the "Bronco"
The "Bronco" was a cart-like structure mounted on rubber tires so you could bounce around in it. Because it was so badly damaged, everyone chipped in to rebuild the Bronco.  We tackled other parts of the structure that were broken or missing, but the Bronco became a focal point around which everyone wanted to participate.
We couldn't have done it without the willing involvement of members of the Holy Cross Neighborhood association who leant us tools and time, and provided all the lumber.  The other key was the fantastic teamwork that you see here.  (That's my pop taking it all in from the background on the far left there.  Hi Dad!)
Credit also has to go to my wife, Patricia Donohue, for germinating the idea of a school volunteer trip and lovingly watering it until it took root.  Also to Katy Quigley in New Orleans who thought of having us work on a playground - with kids as young as 12, we needed a project with minimal health risks, and it was perfect for our kids to be directly impacting kids in New Orleans.  And to the staff at Ben Franklin, who took time to coordinate and participate in our projects there.
Everyone enjoyed teaming up to predrill and screw down every loose board in sight.
Links to follow Our story in the words of the kids
The playground before and after
Cleaning up the playground
End of the first day
Working on the "Bronco"
The last day
Scenes of the nearby devastation
How you can help!
 

Copyright 2006 by Kurt Meyer