Tilt-A-World, founded by Pastor Dan Kelly of Second Chance Bible Church in Bethel, has been building playgrounds for orphanages around the world for ten years. Since 12/14, though, Pastor Kelly has dedicated each of the playgrounds to the memories of the 26 people who died at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

A plaque, designed and created by The Sign Shop in Bethel, lists the names and ages of those who died 12/14, and is posted prominently at every playground built by Tilt-A-World. The approximately one-foot-square signs are donated by The Sign Shop owner Howard Bujese.

The playgrounds are built entirely by the pastor and volunteers, headed by builders Mickey Principi of Ridgefield, or Guy Spranzman of California, who pay their own ways to contribute their skills and energy to the projects. Since 12/14, a playground in Uganda and a playground in Romania have been dedicated to the Sandy Hook children and educators.

In April, Tilt-A-World will travel to Haiti to build a third playground with signage honoring those who were killed on 12/14.

"When the tragedy happened," Pastor Kelly said, "everyone wanted to do something. My commitment has been that every playground I've built since is dedicated to Sandy Hook School victims."

What Pastor Kelly finds most amazing is that volunteers are not only members of Second Chance, but from across the community and country.

In most instances, churches around the nation raise money so that Tilt-A-World can purchase lumber at its destination. For the Haiti playground, though, Pastor Kelly said he is most grateful to Ridgefield Supply for providing the lumber. Pastor Kelly expected to pick up the lumber Thursday, January 22, and drive it to Virginia, where it will be place in shipping containers bound for Haiti.

Home Depot in Danbury has supported Tilt-A-World for years, he added, donating the hardware necessary to build the playgrounds. The play equipment is purchased through Creative Playthings in Massachusetts, with funds provided by his church in Bethel.