Thanks to a generous donation, 14-year-old Jeannie Null is one step closer to seeing a dream come true for she and other children with physical challenges.

The $25,000 check, given to the Community Foundation of East Mississippi by officials with Southern Pipe and Supply, was presented Thursday at Planet Playground to build a new playground that meets standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

The check moves the project one step closer to the $320,000 goal needed to start phase one. So far $240,500 has been raised.

Null, who spends a lot of her time in a wheelchair, said she is excited about the playground and looks most forward to  “sliding.” With a smile on her face, Jeannie said she is looking forward to a place she and her friends can play.

“We’re just excited about a place where no matter what their limitations are they can come and play together,” said Julie Null, Jeannie’s mother. “It’s good therapy for them and a place to get exercise.”

Many Southern Pipe employees were on hand to present the check to Leigh Thomas, executive director of the Community Foundation of East Mississippi.

“We are so thankful to get this check,” Thomas said. “This will go towards the first phase and we want to thank Southern Pipe for getting this started and we feel very honored for this.”

Marc Ransier, chief financial officer for Southern Pipe, said the company understands how important it is to invest in the community.

“We appreciate the Null family and what they have done which has been special,” he said. “Her, (Jeannie,) dream is no different than anybody else’s and it’s our honor to make this contribution and we want to challenge others in the community to step up to help with this.”

Jeannie’s father, Jason Null, works for Southern Pipe in Meridian.

The updated playground will include many of the original features such as pickets, benches and the handprint tiles like those placed when the playground was built in 1999.

Contributions to the Planet Playground Fund can be made out to the Community Foundation of East Mississippi with, “Jeannie’s Place,” in the memo line. The mailing address is P.O. Box 865, Meridian, MS 39302.