New Stars Academy needs volunteers to help assemble playground

PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County’s newest preschool is looking for a few good volunteers to help set up some playground equipment.

“We are looking for some folks with the time, tools and know-how to assemble this swing set for the Stars Academy playground sometime next week,” Maria Guerrero, the Stars Academy director, wrote in an email to The Daily Sun.

The center, on the campus of the Rock Calvary Church campus, 2230 Hariet St., Port Charlotte, opened with a community celebration earlier this month. The new center can house 90 children from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

Stars Academy is installing a Backyard Discovery two-level playhouse with a swings, slides, rock-climbing wall, climbing ladder and kitchenette.

Several nonprofit organizations have helped get the center open to help alleviate the need for affordable child care in the area, which lost eight day care centers in Sept. 28, 2022, when Hurricane Ian swept through Southwest Florida. The Gulf Coast Partnership, the American Red Cross and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, all stepped up to support Stars Academy.

Stars Academy is accepting donations of infant-size diapers and baby wipes. The center also welcomes volunteers who want to come and read to children.

Preregistration is underway.

For more information, call 941-685-7939 or email Maria@Stars-Academy.org