Students at Washington Gifted School in Rockford raised nearly $40,000 to rebuild their playground. Students sold magazines, candy, as well as hosted family nights and book fairs to raise funds for the playground. Those involved says they're thrilled about the new fun and safe place to play.

Principal Jill Faber says, "They cut box tops, $1,400 in about six weeks in box tops for education. Every kid came together, and whether if it was with their box tops, their penny, their nickel, or whatever to raise the money."

A contribution of $10,000 from State Senator Dave Syverson took the school to its fund raising goal of $50,000 goal and cleared the way for construction to begin. Nearly 150 families donated an additional $4,000 toward the overall completion of the playground, which is expected to be complete in three phases.