Sumner School is the oldest elementary school in Austin. It's also the most land-locked.

At recess, classes take turns during the week to play on the playground equipment. The rest of the students play in the few grassy areas and the asphalt courtyard.

To create more playing area for its students, Sumner is hoping to raise $10,000 for more playground equipment. The Sumner student council has already raised $1,500 on its own.

But the main fund-raiser will be a garage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, in the school's cafeteria.

The school is looking for donated items for that sale. Infant, children and adult clothing, infant accessories, toys, games and furniture can be dropped off at the school for the fund-raiser by Friday. Any items not sold will be donated to the Salvation Army.

The Sumner Parent Teacher Committee has been planning to raise money for more equipment since the beginning of the school year. A 10-person committee was formed to organize the garage sale.

How much equipment the school adds depends on how much money is raised. The school would like to purchase two more climbing gyms and a balance beam.

"Active body, active mind" is the benefit of playtime during the school day, said fourth grade teacher Jamie Braaten.

"Too much sitting around has a worse effect than too much play," he said.

The school is accepting cash donations as well. Also, residents can bring in "Box Tops for Education" labels, soup labels and Kemp's milk carton caps for the cause, Braaten said.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com