Federal funding cuts are impacting what area childcare centers can provide to local youth and some are asking for donations from the community to fill the gap. The YMCA of Washington County operates multiple sites for childcare and they are seeking the community’s help. 

YMCA of Washington County CEO Amy Schulte explains the situation, “Some of the cuts that we have seen at the federal level have impacted some of our food program funding. So we were previously receiving free food – fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, ground beef through this program. Funding for that program has been eliminated. We now need to purchase those items, so what we were asking the community to do is help support the Y Childcare to help us with other supplies and then we can use those funds that we’re not spending on other supplies to purchase food items. I also want to say the Y Childcare is not the only one that’s been impacted by this, all of the childcare [centers] that have received this program in the past have been impacted by it. This is important for every childcare [center] in Washington County to make sure that they’re sustainable.”

They are unable to accept donated food for consumption, however helping to donate other daily supplies will alleviate the budget so they can buy the food directly. People can donate gift cards or supplies used for cleaning or crafts, like laundry detergent, baby wipes, dish soap, tissues, dry beans, cornstarch, chia seeds, vinegar, flour, rice, noodles, salt, and Jell-O packets among others. Donations can be dropped off at the YMCA’s early childcare center at 816 North 2nd Avenue or contact YMCA staff for further information.