We would like to spend a few moments to shine a spotlight on one of our awesome donors. Because it’s the deep, heartfelt generosity of donors just like them—and like you—that have helped Boys Town achieve Father Flanagan’s vision of saving children and healing families.

In this post we’re featuring a longtime donor, California mother and grandmother Harriet Karol.

Situated just outside the new Boys Town Residential Treatment Center, there is a special playground where troubled young children can play and romp as other kids do. For these children, who suffer from a variety of psychiatric disorders that require intense therapy and around-the-clock supervision, any opportunity to leave their troubles behind for a while is a blessing.

The playground and its surrounding picnic area were a gift from Boys Town donor and supporter Harriet Karol.

“The play area was very important to me,” explains Harriet. “It’s a place where children can forget their past problems and believe they can have a much better and more wonderful life… the life they truly deserve to have.”

Harriet has always believed that parents and caregivers are the key to children’s success in life. And she understands the value of providing children with the attention and nurturing they need, including the importance of teaching them essential life skills.

The opportunity to provide a playground where children could find joy and embrace a brighter future was an honor for Harriet.

“It touched a soft spot in my heart, and it was a privilege to give,” she says. A plaque outside the playground, known as Harriet Karol Park, expresses a heartfelt message from Harriet: “From Grandma Karol, because I care.”

Thanks to Harriet, children who are working to overcome difficult behavioral and emotional issues will always have a place at Boys Town to forget their troubles and have fun.