Every day on the playground, kids show us what leadership looks like. It can show up in small but powerful ways – inviting someone into a game, helping resolve a disagreement, encouraging a classmate, or stepping up with confidence and care.
Those moments matter, and they deserve to be recognized. Thanks to our new partner, GS-JJ, we’re able to do that in a truly special way.
We’re thrilled to introduce GS-JJ as a Champions Start at Recess partner. GS-JJ is a Southern California-rooted promotional gift manufacturing company based in Walnut, CA. They specialize in custom pins, medals, keychains, stickers, badges, lanyards, and more. Think about the last time you received something you could hold in your hands that told you: “You did something worth celebrating.” That’s exactly what GS-JJ creates. Their mission – “Let every custom creation be cherished around the world” isn’t just aspirational. It’s the reason this partnership makes so much sense.
Sometimes the best partnerships find you. GS-JJ discovered Playworks while searching online and, once they understood our mission, the decision to get involved was easy. As they shared with us, Playworks plays a significant role in improving children’s health and well-being, and they wanted to be part of that. We’re so glad they raised their hand.
GS-JJ is contributing $1,500 in custom-designed products to our Champions Start at Recess initiative, an in-kind donation that goes far beyond its dollar value. GS-JJ’s generous support is helping bring our Champions Start at Recess campaign to life in meaningful ways.
The custom items they provided will be used to celebrate students during key moments throughout the season, including our Summer Bash end-of-year celebration and Girls Soccer Club activities. These moments of recognition help spotlight leadership, teamwork, and the joy that starts at recess every day.
Various items, such as pins, lanyards, and keychains, will be awarded to young leaders during our annual event, Summer Recess Bash: the kids who show up every day and make recess a place where everyone belongs. Who includes others when it would be easier not to. Who lead with kindness. Who understands, even at eight or ten years old, that how you play says a lot about who you are.
A pin or a medal might seem like a small thing. But for a child, being recognized can be the moment that changes how they see themselves. GS-JJ’s craftsmanship makes that moment real and lasting. Something kids can touch, show their family, and carry with them long after recess ends. We believe that’s exactly the kind of impact that ripples outward into classrooms, homes, and communities.
A heartfelt thank you to GS-JJ for believing in what’s possible on the playground. We’re honored to have you as a Champions Start at Recess partner.
Explore GS-JJ’s custom creations at gs-jj.com.
Want to help create more moments like these? We’d love to connect. Please reach out to Jessica Torres, Events & Activations Manager, at jessica.torres@playworks.org.
