When Delta Air Lines volunteers partnered with KaBOOM to build an urban playground, the results felt almost like magic.
Earlier this month, the two organizations came together to construct a new playground at Atlanta Mission–My Sister’s House, a shelter for homeless women and children in midtown Atlanta. Remarkably, the entire playground was completed in a single day.
The project marked the start of the 25th anniversary of Hands On Atlanta, a civic organization that mobilizes volunteers to address pressing community needs throughout the city.
“Delta is Atlanta’s hometown airline, and Delta people are proud to come out on Hands On Atlanta Day to work alongside organizations that give back so much to the community like KaBOOM! and the Atlanta Mission,” said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of community affairs for Delta Air Lines. “This playground will bring more than 740 children who live at My Sister’s House each year one step closer to having the childhood they deserve by providing a safe place to play and stay physically active.”
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony following the build, Hutcheson presented a $10,000 check from Delta to the Atlanta Mission. The donation will support long-term maintenance of the playground and help sustain other services the organization provides to families in need.
The collaborative effort highlights how corporate volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and community groups can combine resources and manpower to create lasting, positive change. By delivering a safe, engaging play space, the initiative advances child development, supports family stability, and strengthens neighborhood ties.
Projects like this one demonstrate that concentrated volunteer efforts can yield substantial benefits in a short time. The playground will offer daily opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and outdoor play, contributing to the well-being of children who rely on the shelter’s services.
Beyond the immediate impact, the playground serves as a visible symbol of community investment and hope. It reinforces the idea that public, private, and nonprofit partners working together can efficiently address local needs and create environments where children can thrive.
As Hands On Atlanta celebrates its milestone anniversary, the success of this build underscores the organization’s role in coordinating volunteer-driven solutions across the city. With continued collaboration and support, similar projects can replicate this model to benefit more communities and families in the future.