Volunteers from Deloitte's office in Alexandria on Friday converted a 2,000-square-foot patch of dirt and grass into a professionally designed play area for homeless and low-income families.

The international consulting firm chose Community Lodgings, an Arlandria-based nonprofit organization as the local charity beneficiary for the firm's IMPACT Day promoting employee volunteerism.

Community Lodgings was founded in 1987 and provides housing and social services to more than 20 local families annually and works to lift them to self-sufficiency. It also works with nearly 100 at-risk children and parents daily at its Family Learning Center in an effort to increase academic achievement and decrease at-risk behavior.

Volunteer efforts on Friday created a play area including a mini soccer field covered with Astroturf. Deloitte donated and installed all materials including the turf and soccer goals on Alexandria's Elbert Ave.

 “While Community Lodgings provides vital services to Alexandria’s most vulnerable families on a daily basis, projects like this have an incredible impact," said Community Lodgings Development Director Jim Dempsey. "The new play area will provide our families with a space where they come together as a community to create wonderful memories with friends and family."