Businesses Step Up To Support Pinellas Child Care

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas continues to emphasize the importance of child care in Pinellas County as about 30 percent of Pinellas child care centers remain open to serve the children of essential workers.

After launching a supply drive for child care providers last week, the ELC received help and supplies from businesses and organizations across Pinellas and beyond.

Target and Costco contributed gift cards. Anona United Methodist Church contributed financially. The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County came through with chlorine, funnels, gloves and gallon jugs to make cleaning solution. And Rob Bowen Design Group supplied spray bottles.

Big Storm Brewery and 3 Daughters Brewing donated hand sanitizer. Cloth face masks were donated by friends and family. And Burger King fed ELC staff while they created 100 “care packs” for 100 child care providers in Pinellas.

Also, the collective was able to help eight additional providers that expressed specific needs. ELC staff are making contactless deliveries through Friday.

“Child care providers have stepped up to care for children of first responders and healthcare workers during this pandemic,” said ELC CEO Lindsay Carson. “These providers are providing a critical service and deserve our support. We appreciate all the support that made this possible.”

Donations directly support providers who are currently on the front lines every day.

To partner with the ELC on efforts to support providers, contact Rosa Rivera, director of community engagement, at RRivera@ELCPinellas.org.

To contribute to the Emergency Childcare Support Fund, visit the website or text HELPKIDS to 71441.

The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County is a nonprofit agency focused on high-quality early care and education – working with families and child care providers to prepare children to enter kindergarten.