Volunteer spirit was on full display this week on Clifton Avenue in Nashville as over 120 CarMax associates rolled up their sleeves to help build a playground and paint a mural for Equally Created’s new early‑education center. The effort, coordinated with national nonprofit KABOOM!, brings the center one step closer to opening its doors at the end of the month.
Community partners unite for children
CarMax representative Cari Blevins highlighted the company’s commitment to the project, saying, “We have over 120 CarMax associates here that volunteered to come out and spend their time making this playground happen.” The volunteers worked alongside staff from Equally Created, a nonprofit founded to make quality childcare accessible to every family, especially those who need it most.
Leslie Hanson, founder and executive director of Equally Created, emphasized the organization’s mission: “We’re going to offer early education, we’re going to offer it to everyone, and prioritize those that need it most and need our help the most.” Hanson added that seeing the outpouring of generosity from the community has been “super meaningful.”
Playground and mural ready for kids
The newly constructed playground features safe, age‑appropriate equipment designed for young children, while the mural adds a bright, welcoming visual element to the facility. Both elements reflect the collaborative spirit of the volunteers and the nonprofit’s focus on creating a nurturing environment for early learners.
Equally Created’s Clifton Avenue location, slated to open at the end of November, will provide early‑education services to families throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. The center’s opening aligns with a broader effort to expand access to quality childcare in Nashville, a city where many families face challenges finding affordable early‑learning options.
Fall festival celebrates the upcoming launch
To mark the progress and build excitement, Equally Created is hosting a fall festival on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will take place at the new center, located at 3810 Clifton Avenue, and will feature activities for children and families, food vendors, and opportunities to learn more about the center’s programs.
Community members are invited to attend the festival, meet the volunteers, and see firsthand how the new playground and mural will serve the children who will soon walk through the center’s doors.
Looking ahead
With the playground and mural completed, Equally Created is focused on final preparations for opening, including staffing, curriculum development, and outreach to families in need. The organization hopes the new center will become a cornerstone of the neighborhood, offering a safe, supportive space where children can learn, play, and grow.
For more information about enrollment and childcare opportunities at the Clifton Avenue location, visit Equally Created’s website or contact the center directly.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
