http://www.bethelisland.net

Brentwood Press - Index

Brentwood Press - OakleyPress_10.03.08 - Index

8A | BRENTWOODPRESS.COM COMMUNITY OCTOBER 3, 2008
Oakley playgroup focuses on families, community
PURCHASE OR LEASE
Bethel Island Rd.
by Ruth Roberts
Staff Writer
Its Web site beckons to the “offbeat, thrifty, nerdy
and tattooed,” but members of Creative Kids know that
the Oakley playgroup is also about empathy, inspiration
and community.
“I think that it’s important to teach our children
about responsibility, and that’s a big part of what we are
about,” said Hope Desroches, founder of Creative Kids.
“I believe it’s our job to do what we can to help the communities
we live in. With all the horror going on in the
world, I believe it helps our kids to see some good.”
Since its inception last year, the group has participated
in local food drives, created care packages for soldiers
overseas and it’s planning to walk in an upcoming
fundraiser for breast cancer.
“We’re always looking for something the kids can do
to help, and they really love doing it,” said Desroches. “It
gives them a sense of accomplishment.”
And in some cases it teaches them organization as
well. “We did have one play date when everyone came to
my house and tore apart my daughter’s room and then
re-sorted all her toys by color,” laughed Desroches. “It
was very productive.”
Creative Kids, boasting about 40 members, features
a decidedly eclectic mix of play dates, fi eld trips and parental
support. Desroches, who moved to Oakley last
year from Concord with her husband and two young
children, said she founded the group as a way to offer
families low-cost, fun events and create connections for
both children and their parents.
“It’s a great excuse to go out and spend some real
quality time with your kids,” said Desroches. “And it’s
also a wonderful outlet to make some great friends.”
Mariner Rd.
Sandmound Blvd.
ASK ABOUT OUR
$10,000 CREDIT FOR
LEASE OPTIONS!
The group meets a few days a week for local play
dates. “Oakley has so many great parks that we always
have lots of choices,” said Desroches. They also take the
occasional out-of-town fi eld trip, host monthly moms’
nights out, and share stories, recipes and home remedies.
An important component of the group, said Desroches,
is affordability. “I try to make it (play date) very
inexpensive,” she said. “We’re all on budgets, and especially
given the current economy, I really want people
to save money, so we’re big on free admission days and
things like free ice cream day at Coldstone’s. You can
have a great time and not spend a lot of money.”
Creative
Kids in
Oakley is
not just
about play
dates and
pizza. These
smiling little
preschoolers
also participate
in
communityoriented
events and
fundraisers.
Photo courtesy of
Hope Desroches
Upcoming events for the group include a Halloween
celebration. “A member has graciously offered her
backyard for the party” and a to-be-determined holiday
community-service event, said Desroches.
“The holidays are perfect for volunteering, and we
plan to defi nitely do as many as we can,” she said. “That’s
a big part of who we are.
“I’ve made so many friends with this group and my
children have really fl ourished and benefi ted in so many
ways. It’s been a wonderful experience.”
To join Creative Kids, or for additional information,
visit www.parents.meetup.com/588, call 925-679-9334 or
e-mail hopehelvete@att.net.