NORTH GRAFTON, Mass.–Homefield Credit Union partnered with Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester to build a playhouse for the children of a veteran under Operation Playhouse. Habitat for Humanity provided the materials necessary to complete the build, funded by Homefield Credit Union. Homefield provided a crew of volunteers that worked prior to the scheduled build and the actual build day.
The build was originally scheduled to take place outdoors at Homefield Credit Union’s Main Office in North Grafton, but with rain forecast, an alternate location was needed. The Grafton Police Department offered the use of their fleet garage so that the playhouse could be assembled indoors, and the team of volunteers could stay warm and dry.
The children requested a playhouse with a patriotic theme, with perhaps a bit of recognition for their favorite sports teams, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. With that in mind, the Homefield Credit Union volunteers got to work. The outside was designed with a Fenway Park theme, while the inside centered on the New England Patriots (tailgating chairs included), all done with a patriotic flare.
Seth, a disabled veteran who served during Operation Enduring Freedom, arrived at the Grafton PD late in the afternoon with two of his three children for the big reveal. The two boys could not contain their excitement as they pulled off the tarp and saw what had been built, just for them. Their eyes were bright and they were smiling from ear to ear. After a brief dedication ceremony, the playhouse was loaded on to Seth’s truck. The boys could not wait to get their new playhouse home.
“Operation Playhouse is a program that benefits local veterans and their families. It was a privilege and honor for Homefield Credit Union to partner with Habitat for Humanity - Operation Playhouse – as a way to give back to those who have served our country,” said Homefield President & CEO Karl Moisan.