NOBLESVILLE, Ind. -- A group of fifth grade girls decided before graduating from Noblesville's Stony Creek Elementary that they wanted to leave their mark by installing a buddy bench on the school's playground.
Buddy benches are meant to stop bullying and foster friendship on the playground.
The girls say they've had their own experiences of feeling lonely during recess, and wanted to help others in that situation.
They needed $500 to buy a bench but weren't sure how to raise the money.
The girls submitted a grant request to the United Way of Central Indiana, made a video explaining their need, and answered questions before a panel.
Their work paid off because Stony Creek Elementary installed its first buddy bench this month.
WATCH MORE OF THE BUDDY BENCH STORY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE
Buddy benches at central Indiana schools
Kokomo Schools: Sycamore Elementary International School
Westfield Washington: All six elementary schools
Brownsburg: Brown Elementary, Reagan Elementary, Eagle Elementary. Coming soon: Delaware Trail Elementary is dedicating one next Thursday on the last day of school, and White Lick Elementary is getting two this summer
Hamilton Southeastern: Fall Creek Elementary and Geist Elementary
Beech Grove: Central Elementary School
Plainfield: All four elementary schools
Washington Township: Fox Hill and Allisonville Elementary schools.
Avon: River Birch, Maple, and Sycamore Elementary Schools
Mooresville: Northwood Elementary School
Mt. Vernon: Fortville Elementary School and McCordsville Elementary School
Noblesville: Stony Creek Elementary, North Elementary, Promise Road Elementary
Warren Twp: Liberty Park Elementary
