Community shows support for early learning through “Back to School Fall Supply Drive”

The Siuslaw region stepped up this spring during the “Back to School Fall Supply Drive” benefitting our local early learning programs: Wildflower Montessori School, Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool, Little Bluebirds In Home Daycare, Stepping Stones Center for Early Learning, Breanna Daycare, Head Start of Lane County, and Mapleton Community Preschool.

The drive ran during September and October and each local program was able to stock their classrooms with three large boxes full of needed supplies. The supply drive was hosted by the Siuslaw Vision Child Care Working Group and sponsored by Siuslaw Childcare Friends, the City of Florence and Siuslaw Vision.

“I never thought I would be so excited over copy paper; and the blocks- thank you! My kiddos are going to love them. I appreciate everything” said Breanna Allen, an in-home child care provider in Florence.

A special thank you is in order for our local businesses who served as donation sites to collect supplies during the month, Meyer said. Drop-off sites included: Ace Hardware, Banner Bank, BeauxArts Fine Art Materials, Bi-Mart, Coastal Fitness, Columbia Bank, First Community Credit Union, Fred Meyer, Grocery Outlet, Jawsome Kids Resale and the Florence Visitors Center.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Florence community for the generosity and support shown through the donations to our local child care providers and preschools. Being able to refresh classroom supplies is such a blessing and will have a direct impact on the students we serve every day,” said Mattie Maldonado, director of Bright Beginnings. “These donations help create nurturing, engaging learning environments for children throughout our community, and we are truly thankful to everyone who contributed. Your kindness and support mean so much to us and the families we serve.”

“It was a joyful experience for all of us,” said Jenn Lukashev, director at Stepping Stones. “Our group at Stepping Stones had so much fun looking through the donations together! There were lots of smiles, laughter, and excitement as the children explored the books, art supplies, and learning materials that were thoughtfully shared.”

The Child Care Working Group includes local child care providers, nonprofits, government, business support organizations Lane County child care supporters, and community members. Learn more about the Siuslaw Vision’s child care efforts at siuslawvision.org/childcare. If you have questions, call the Siuslaw Vision at 541-590-2425 or email childcare@siuslawvision.org.