“Spring into Action” Supply Drive Supports Local Child Care Providers

This spring, the Siuslaw Region has the opportunity to donate learning materials, cleaning supplies, and fun items to area child care providers and early learning educators. The Siuslaw Vision Child Care Working Group’s “Spring into Action” Supply Drive is gathering items to directly benefit our local children and their education. This is your chance to spread joy, foster creativity, and support the youngest minds in our community. The drive will run from Wednesday, April 1, to Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Child care providers Wildflower Montessori School, Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool, Little Blue Birds, Stepping Stones, Breanna Daycare, Head Start of Lane County, Mapleton Community Preschool, and in-home providers have created a list of their needs this spring.

Our little learners are the future, and providing them with the right tools early on can set the stage for lifelong success. Child care providers and early educators play a critical role in nurturing these tiny tots, and we believe every child deserves a bright and resourceful start.

We’re looking for a variety of school supplies to make their learning experience fun and enriching. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Colorful crayons and washable markers
• Storybooks and picture books
• Child-friendly scissors and glue sticks
• Puzzles and educational games
• Sensory table items
• Construction paper and drawing pads
• Gift cards
  See the full list below!

People can donate by swinging by any of our collection centers in the month of April! We will have bins set up to collect your donations at Banner Bank, BeauxArts Fine Art Materials, Columbia Bank, First Community Credit Union, Fred Meyer, Grocery Outlet, the Florence Visitors Center, and True Value Hardware.

The Spring Into Action Supply Drive is hosted by the Siuslaw Vision Child Care Working Group and sponsored by True Value Hardware, Siuslaw Childcare Friends, the City of Florence, and Siuslaw Vision.

In addition to donating items, you can make monetary contributions directly to our local child care partners through links at https://siuslawvision.org/childcare/. Your financial support will provide essential resources, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and grow. By extending your generosity in this way, you help build a stronger, more supportive community for all our little ones.

Together, we can make this Spring a magical one for our little stars. Your support means the world to us and to the children we’re helping. Let’s make a difference — one crayon at a time!

The Siuslaw Vision Child Care Working Group includes local child care providers, the City of Florence, Siuslaw Childcare Friends, the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, 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.

Comprehensive List of Donation Items:

• Books – board books, picture books, multilingual, multicultural
• Art Supplies – washable paint, finger paint, round sponge brushes, glitter paints, metallic gel tempera paints, Crayola crayons, Crayola Twistables Crayons, Crayola Twistables colored pencils, markers, dry erase markers, paper, gel pens, construction paper, pipecleaners, glue, glue sticks, stickers, googly eyes, seasonal or holiday-themed craft items, chalk, Ticonderoga My First Pencils, easel paper rolls, colored masking tape, Wikki Stix, popsicle sticks, pom poms, feathers, tissue paper, ink pads, plastic art trays,
• Bulk Art Materials: glue by the gallon; kid-friendly play dough ingredients: cream of tartar, flour, vegetable oil, salt; food coloring
• Sensory Materials – playdough, sand, rice, dry beans, corn kernels, PicassoTiles, HamiltonBuhl AudioStar Alpha 6 Station Listening Center
• Infant & Toddler Supplies – unscented baby wipes and cloth bibs
• Health, Safety & Sanitation – gloves, child-safe cleaning and disinfecting supplies, disinfectant wipes, antibacterial hand soap, unscented hand sanitizer, unscented tissues, paper towels, napkins, first aid supplies, bandages
• Snack Items – crackers, cereal, pretzels, Goldfish, popcorn, graham crackers
• Administrative Supplies – printer paper, staples, tape, teacher and staff wellness items, mesh zipper bags, small trash bags
• Gift Cards – to local stores as well as online retailers

Program-specific supply requests available at siuslawvision.org/childcare/.