Almost 600 Playhouses Built & Donated to Veteran & Military Families in New England Since 2014!
SPONSOR A PLAYHOUSE
Operation Playhouse is a unique program that benefits veterans and military families and their children. We are proud to give back to those who have served our communities and country and encourage our partners to do the same.
REQUEST A PLAYHOUSE
We are looking to identify veterans or military members living in New England with young children up to 12 years of age who would like to receive a playhouse. Thank you for your service!
JOIN OUR BUILD-A-THONS
We annually host two playhouse Build-a-Thons. One is held in MetroWest and one in Greater Worcester. These are events where several organizations come together and build several playhouses.
BECOME A HOUSE CAPTAIN!
SPONSOR A PLAYHOUSE
“What an incredible day! Our Operation Playhouse build day was more than just a service project for our team. It was an opportunity to work hard, get creative and end the day with the joyful smiles of 3 amazing families.” ~Courtney Mello, Partner, The Lagasse Group
How does it work?
Your team of 8 – 10 people will work together to construct, decorate, and donate to a veteran/military family at the end of the day. We provide the tools, material and family. We welcome all groups: corporations, faith groups, school clubs, community groups, etc.
What do I contribute?
Our partners contribute a tax-deductible donation of $3,000 for each playhouse built to cover the cost of materials, our staff time, and to further our efforts to expand Operation Playhouse to give back to more local veterans and military families who have served our country. Many of our partners choose to purchase decorations to go along with the theme of their playhouse, based on the interests of the children.
Where and when can I schedule my playhouse event?
There are many options for your team to take part in building a playhouse. We can build at a location of your choice, outdoors from mid-April to mid-October (weather dependent), and indoors the rest of the year. Space requirements are 30 ft x 40 ft for each playhouse. The area is covered by tarps that we bring. You can also join one of our Build-a-Thons in MetroWest or Greater Worcester.
Do we need experience?
No experience is necessary! The playhouses are built from a kit. While you will be using some tools for simple construction tasks, we have experienced staff and volunteers on-site all day to help you every step of the way. There is plenty of time during the day to build the playhouse, paint and decorate it before the family arrives.
What do we provide?
We provide all tools, paints, tarps, tables for painting on. We also provide staff and volunteers to help you during the day as well as the military family and their playhouse theme.
What happens prior to a playhouse build event ?
Our Operation Playhouse Coordinator communicates with the family to determine their theme and child’s interests. Playhouse themes include: Ice Cream Stand, American Flag/Patriotic, Cozy Cottage (Pastel Colors), Log Cabin, Firehouse, Barnyard, and Castle. The themes are then passed along to each partner who is building the playhouse so they can be prepared for their day. Decorations or add-ons for the playhouse are optional, and some teams choose to purchase them.
What happens on the day of the playhouse build event?
On the day of your playhouse event, your team will gather at a pre-selected site from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM approx. You will build the playhouse from a kit, paint, and decorate the playhouse according to your theme. At about 2:45 PM, the family arrives at the site to receive the playhouse. The child is surprised and delighted, and it is a touching, personal, and heartwarming conclusion to the day.
WHAT DOES A BUILD DAY AGENDA LOOK LIKE?
8:00-8:30
Arrival & Set-Up
12:30-2:45
Assembly, Decorate & Touch Ups
8:30-11:00
Painting
2:45-3:00
Family Arrives
11:00-12:00
Roofing
3:00-3:30
Dedication Ceremony
12:00-12:30
Break for Lunch
3:30-4:00
Help Load Playhouse onto Family’s Vehicle
2026 OPERATION PLAYHOUSE BUILD-A-THONS
Operation Playhouse Build-A-Thons include multiple partners who come together at one site that we provide to build their own playhouse for the children of veteran and military families!
Sign Up Today!
Please email Deborah Huegel at Deborah.Huegel@habitatmwgw.org or call 508-519-3207 for more information. Thank you for your interest!
Watch the video of an Operation Playhouse Build-A-Thon event in Elm Park: Operation Playhouse Build-A-Thon
MetroWest Build-A-Thon
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- Date: May 15
- Rain Date: May 21
- Location: AMVETS in Natick, 79 Superior Drive, Natick
- Time: 8:00AM-4:00PM (approx.)
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Worcester Build-A-Thon – Stay Tuned!
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- Date: TBD
- Rain Date: TBD
- Location: Elm Park Worcester
- Time: 8:00AM-4:00PM (approx.)
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Watch the video of an Operation Playhouse Build-A-Thon event in Elm Park: Operation Playhouse Build-A-Thon
- Each Build-A-Thon event takes place in one day and is hosted from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM approx.
- Each team at the Build-A-Thon will be comprised of 8-10 people.
- Each team will meet the veteran/military family for whom they build the playhouse at the end of the day in a small celebration.
- A Build-A-Thon is an exciting event to take part in – meet new people, foster team building, and learn new skills as you build your playhouse.
What do you contribute? Our partners contribute a tax-deductible donation of $3,000 for each playhouse built to cover the cost of materials, our staff time, and to further our efforts to expand Operation Playhouse to give back to more local veterans and military families who have served our country.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DEBORAH HUEGEL AT DEBORAH.HUEGEL@HABITATMWGW.ORG OR BY PHONE AT 508-519-3207.