Support the Outdoor Spaces at Helen Gordon Child Development Center

Since the early 1970’s, Helen Gordon Child Development Center, serving children 6 weeks -5 years, has provided an innovative and nationally accredited early childhood program for Portland State University students, faculty, staff, and alumni families. For decades, HGCDC has supported student parents in pursuing a college education with the confidence that their children are cared for in a safe, engaging and high-quality environment. Your support plays a vital role in sustaining and strengthening this work.

Our outdoor playgrounds are essential spaces where children explore, create, and connect with the natural world in an urban setting. To keep these spaces safe, engaging, and enriching, we are seeking support to make important improvements. This includes adding durable garden beds to expand hands-on, nature-based learning opportunities as well as replenishing sand in both our preschool and infant/toddler sandboxes, where levels have significantly decreased over time.

In addition, we are continuing work on our Preschool Sun Shade Project, an important initiative that will provide much-needed protection from the elements, allowing children to safely enjoy outdoor play throughout the year. While previous fundraising efforts have helped us make progress, additional funding is still needed to bring this project to completion.

Funds can support our immediate needs for garden beds, sand replacement and completing the sun shade project, making a lasting impact on the safety and usability of our outdoor spaces. Any funds not used on these priorities will provide general support for the Helen Gordon Child Development Center.

• A donation of $160 can purchase one Medium Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed Kit for the playground. We need at least 6 garden beds of various sizes.
• A donation of $150 can provide one yard of high-quality beach sand for our sandboxes. We need at least 10 yards to divide between the preschool and infant/toddler sandboxes.

Your contribution will directly impact the daily experiences of the children and families we serve, helping us create outdoor spaces that are safe, inspiring, and accessible year-round.

Thank you for partnering with us to invest in high-quality early childhood education and meaningful outdoor play.