Raggedy Anne Learning Center Closing After 50 Years

ELMHURST, IL — Raggedy Anne Learning Center, which has been in operation in Elmhurst for a half century, is closing its doors Jan. 17, the business announced over the weekend.

"We have been proud to serve the Elmhurst community for the past 50 years, providing excellent and affordable care in our family-owned business," Carol Murray of Raggedy Anne said in a statement to Patch. "We sincerely give our heartfelt thanks for all of the support and patronage over all of these years."

In a Facebook post, Murray said the decision was made with a "heavy heart" and apologized for the inconvenience it may cause people.

"Due to the financial hardship and increasing competition, we feel this is the best decision," she said.

One Facebook commenter wrote in response, "We are so sad to see this. Thank you for all the love, care and education you provided to my (son) and so many other children in the community. Your legacy lives on in each of them."

Raggedy Anne, which started in 1970, has three rooms for children to play and learn, according to its Facebook page. The Red Room is for 2-year-olds, the Yellow Room for 3- and 4-year-olds, and the Blue Room for 4- and 5-year-olds.

"Our main goal is to build a positive self-image in every child," the Facebook page said. "Children who know who they are and have positive self-esteem are able to work well with others and tend to be more successful students. Our teachers provide a warm and secure atmosphere for each child, always treating them with dignity and respect."

The business is on the second floor of First United Methodist Church, 232 S. York St.