Where local kids come just to play

For two hours every week, Room 245 in Houston Hall is transformed from a large empty space of no particular distinction to a playful wonderland, full of endless possibilities. This sense of wonder is supplied by the members of a student service organization called Community Kids. Community Kids is comprised of a small group of University students and is run by College seniors Valerie Golomb and Farnaz Farshidmehr. According to Golomb, the purpose of the group is to provide "a chance for [children from West Philadelphia] to get some personal attention and maybe become close to a college student." Terence Gilmore, one of the kids in the group, is more direct. "I would say we play here," he said. Eight-year-old Antoine McDuffy said he likes Community Kids because he has freedom to play whatever game he wants. "It's better than home. My mom wouldn't let me play football in the house," McDuffy said. Community Kids has been on campus for about five or six years. The group meets once a week and activities include playing indoor versions of football and basketball, as well as coloring and playing with Legos. The kids come from neighborhoods where it isn't safe to play in the streets, and family members may not be able to give them personalized attention. Many of the students and some of the children have been in the program for years, so the bonds that form between the participants are lasting ones. College junior Marshall Abbott said he looks forward to the program because he has become close to many of the program's participants. "You build up a relationship with these kids who expect to see you every week and you expect to see them," Abbott said. "I've grown up with these kids. I've been here for two years now [and] I look forward to it." Abbott noted that one of the best things about the program is its spontaneity. "Whatever happens happens, without a net," the College junior said. "[The kids] learn in an informal environment. We don't have any goals besides giving these kids a good time." Abbott first became involved in the group while searching for a community service activity, a requirement of fraternity membership. College junior Brian Kestenbaum heard about the group when he was offered a free cookie at an information table on Locust Walk. Though the students have become involved in Community Kids in different ways, Kestenbaum says the students have a common reason for their continued involvement. "They're all great kids," Kestenbaum said. "I like hanging out with the guys....they're good kids here."