When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina in the fall of 2024, it left behind more than physical destruction. It disrupted a sense of community, safety, and joy. Homes were damaged, families displaced, and children left without safe spaces to play.
But out of devastation came something beautiful from a combined mission – one swing, slide, and smile at a time.
Bringing PLAY Home
In the wake of the storm, Kids Around the World (KATW) was invited to join Little Tikes Commercial (LTC) in building a brand-new, LTC-donated playground for a community hit especially hard by the hurricane. Their commitment to Give Freely – investing time, resources, and heart – helped transform a place of loss into a space filled with laughter, movement, and connection.
As a global leader in playground design and innovation, and our trusted partner in play, LTC continues to make an impact in communities worldwide. Together, we’ve brought the gift of play to children in need – both near and far – and this project brought that mission home in a powerful way.
The Power of PLAY to Restore and Rebuild
At KATW, we’ve seen firsthand how play restores and uplifts. This build with the LTC team created more than a place to play… It encourages families to gather, children to explore, and hope to return. It’s a vivid reminder that when partnerships truly PLAY out for purpose, communities grow stronger together.
See the Story Come to Life
🎥 Watch the transformation HERE: Check out our YouTube short from the on-site build » or click the YouTube pic above!
Thanks to our friends’ initiative and invite, a brand-new play space stands where debris once lay. More than equipment, it’s a symbol of renewal and a powerful example of partnership to help communities heal.
Are you looking to build a playground at your school, organization or in your community? Contact us to learn how a local playground project can make a global impact!
Through our Partner In Play partnership, Little Tikes Commercial has committed to donate 5% of sales from select commercial-grade playgrounds to Kids Around the World, helping transform lives around the globe.
