Nordson ASYMTEK recently announced that more than 50 of its southern California employees constructed a playground for the children who live at the Solutions for Change Intake and Access Center in Vista, Calif. During the opening ceremony for the new playground, the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors recognized Nordson for “outstanding service, leadership and commitment to the health, safety and well-being of the region's residents,” and presented Joe Stockunas, vice president of Nordson's Advanced Technology Systems, with a proclamation declaring September 17 as Nordson Day.

As part of Nordson's annual Big Build Project, the corporation donated $50,000 for the purchase of the playground equipment. All the construction of the playground was done by Nordson employees and friends. More than 50 Nordson ASYMTEK, MARCH and YESTECH employees reportedly participated in the two-day long Big Build, working through both record-breaking rain and hot sun to complete construction on the new playground.

“Each year, Nordson chooses a community near one of its U.S. facilities for the Big Build,” said Sara Vaz, program officer. “We look for ways to improve our community by promoting creativity and learning. This year the Big Build took place in southern California, where Nordson ASYMTEK, Nordson YESTECH, and some employees from Nordson MARCH are located. All Nordson employees were encouraged to show up, roll their sleeves up, and help build.”

The Intake Center reportedly provides up to three months of shelter for families who are waiting to move into the Solutions Family Center program, a family housing program where parents can rebuild the life skills needed to solve their families' homelessness, offering access to workforce development and counseling. More than half of the residents of this shelter are children; the playground is the only area they have to socialize and play.

 For more information, visit www.nordsonasymtek.com.