STATE COLLEGE — This year marks the 25th year that the State College Kiwanis Club has been handing out checks to local childcare providers.
Directors from 10 local programs recently received checks for $500 to enhance their programs in various ways.
Six preschools were represented, including Good Shepherd Lutheran Christian, Grace Lutheran, Our Lady of Victory, State College Friends, Stay and Play, and Park Forest. Three group programs were represented, including Busy Bees Natural Learning Center, Grace’s Child Care, and the Jewish Community Center Nursery School. Melissa Solt’s daycare, a family program, also received a check.
Eileen Wise, who took over the awards project from the previous chair, Phyllis McGarvey, explained what she enjoys about the awards ceremony and dinner.
“I like hearing the providers explain what is going well — and what is not going so well — in their programs. It helps our Kiwanis Club stay up to date on how the childcare industry is faring locally, and what the local community needs to do to help out.”
Phyllis McGarvey, who organized the annual event for 15 years, found it to be very personally fulfilling.
“Over 15 years, I became close and affectionate with many of the providers. They would share personal stories with me of their successes and challenges. I almost felt like I was their grandmother.”
This project arose because of the emphasis of Kiwanis clubs on the needs of young children and their families.
Called “Young Children Priority One,” the annual dinner and award ceremony gives Kiwanians a chance to recognize and thank our local childcare providers for their hard work and the care and love they bring to local children and families.
Some of the requests for funds this year were for art supplies, outdoor play equipment, specialized training for staff, a butterfly garden, and child-sized furniture.
The $5,000 needed for this event was raised through the State College Kiwanis Club’s annual Blueberry Sale. To participate, go to www.kiwanisblueberrysale.com/ to order online. Pick-up is Tuesday, June 30.
The State College Kiwanis Club welcomes new members throughout the year. The club meets the first and third Mondays of each month from 6-7 p.m. at South Hills
School of Business and Technology, 480 Waupelani Drive, State College.
