BUCHANAN — When Brittany Frantz had to sign for a letter that arrived at her home on April 24, she was not expecting great news.

“I was not excited to be opening it,” Frantz said. “It’s usually not a good when you have to sign for your mail.”

Tearing through the envelope, Frantz’s feeling of trepidation quickly dissolved. She found a check for $5,000 and a note from Teacher’s Credit Union CEO Paul Marsh thanking her and the organizers of the Have Fun at Buchanan Parks program for the work they do.

“You both are commended for your efforts in starting and maintaining a summer program for Buchanan’s children,” the note read.

Frantz did not want to get too excited right away. She called to verify the check with the Teacher’s Credit Union in South Bend and found out it was legitimate.

“It was really cool,” Frantz said.

For the past five years, Frantz, Ashley Hanson and Dave Perez have helped to organize and operate a free summer-long program for children called Have Fun at Buchanan Parks. Frantz said the program aims to help youth spend their summer outside instead of in front of a TV or computer.

“Last year, our motto was to ‘unplug and unwind,’” Frantz said. “[We wanted to] get them outside of the house and utilizing what we have around us. Just breathe the fresh air and play with their friends and family. Use their imagination, instead of [electronics].”

Children who attend the program take part in outdoor games and activities at Kathryn Park. About three years ago, children also helped to start a community garden, where youth learn about growing fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. The produce is harvested and used during an end of the summer cookout. The children also give to their community. During the annual Make a Difference Day last fall, youth helped to clean up the park.

This summer’s program begins June 24 and Frantz is hoping to add even more activities that will engage children in being in the outdoors. With the check, she said the program plans to purchase an imagination playground, which consists of large foams blocks. The blocks can be put together to form a castle, a house or whatever the user’s imagination can create.

An added benefit to the blocks is that they are also transportable — so, Frantz said the program intends to share them with the community.

“We will be taking them to all the parks to let kids use their imagination and build their own playgrounds for the day,” Frantz said.

The imagination playground will also be taken to the upcoming summer concert series in the Buchanan Common.

Frantz said she hopes the donation encourages other community partners to get involved and support the program. Have Fun at Buchanan Parks is entirely donation and volunteer based. Frantz said the groups tries to take children on at least one field trip, which is supported by donations. They also hope to build a second shed, in addition to the one at Kathryn Park. Frantz said this would allow them to store more toys and games and also take the children to another park location.

Those interested in donating to the program are advised to contact the organizers via Facebook.

Frantz said she looks forward to this year’s program and spending some time outside.

“I think having this imagination playground it will get a lot more kids involved and more excited about coming out and playing,” Frantz said.