Discovery Federal Credit Union builds playset for area child

A team of employees from Berks county-based Discovery Federal Credit Union came together to build a backyard playset for a 3-year-old child battling cancer.

The credit union worked with Roc Solid, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to building hope and playsets for families facing childhood cancer. The organization helped the credit union get connect with the Berks family who asked to remain anonymous and delivered the playset and instructions for the team to get to work.

Abigail Showalter, Discovery’s marketing and community impact manager, said the credit union purchased the playset through Roc Solid, which had it delivered to the family’s home.

“They provided us with directions and coaching through a series of PDFs and videos,” Showalter said. “And we did the rest, including bringing all of the tools and additional supplies.”

She added that the Roc Solid project is intended for those without much experience to be able to follow the directions.

Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting also assisted with the build, Showalter said, going to the site ahead of time to make the sure the area was level and large enough to build the playset. On the day of the build, Anewalt’s was back, mulching the play area to create a soft, safe and welcoming space for the child to enjoy.

“Helping build the playset was a small way to support a family facing a huge challenge,” said Michelle Leone, Discovery’s vice president, technology and innovation, and one of the volunteers. “I wanted to be part of something that could bring a little joy and normalcy to a child going through something incredibly difficult. It reminded me that even simple acts can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”

The build took place Oct. 24, according to Showalter, who said it was delayed by a week because of bad weather.

Initially, a team of 19 was scheduled to work on the playset build, but the team pivoted to a smaller group when the project was rescheduled. Showalter said six employees worked on the project for the entire time, while an additional four employees came in for 1 1/2-hour shifts throughout the day.

“We choose the playset build specifically because it warmed everyone’s hearts and was something we could see the direct result of immediately,” Showalter said. “Even though we were unable to all work on the playset, the team feels connected to the project.”

It took about seven hours to complete the project, and when it was completed, the girl’s mom brought her to the backyard and the playset was unveiled.

“I cannot describe how moving it was to see this little girl, who has been through so much, smile in surprise,” said Jennifer Pelker, Discovery’s vice president of member experience, and one of the volunteers. “As we cleaned up our workspace, we had the honor of hearing her laugh and play. It was an amazing experience for all of us,”

This was the first time Discovery FCU had built a playset, but Showalter said the team often does community projects. She said as a not-for-profit financial institution, “We believe in the credit union motto of ‘people helping people’ and we live that every day through volunteer activities, sponsorships, donation drives and more.”

So far in 2025, Showalter said Discovery’s staff has logged a combined total of 550 volunteer hours.

Kevin Unger, Discovery’s vice president/chief risk officer, said the swing set was about giving a child a place to just be a kid.

“If it brings even a few moments of joy, laughter, or escape, then the effort was worth it,” he said. “Our goal was simple — create something that brings happiness and comfort during a difficult time. Seeing her smile made it all worthwhile.”

Showalter said before she was in contact with Roc Solid, she didn’t realize children battling cancer can’t play at their local playground because of the threat of catching an illness.

“Now, with her own private play place, this little fighter has a way to distract herself from the hardship she faces every day, and it gives her family the joy of watching her play,” Showalter said.

Discovery Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution located in Spring Township, Berks County.