Pictured from left are Kyle Liekam, Michael Borrello and Tyler Gotowka.

At Campus and Community Children’s Center, the staff knows that children are natural explorers and discoverers who love to challenge themselves.

They understand the significance of young learners having chances to learn in various settings. One of the best ways to allow for opportunities that support our natural explorers is by providing time outdoors for them to play. When children play outside, they are learning and developing gross motor, social, emotional, and problem-solving skills. These skills tie right into our curriculum — Creative Curriculum. But, what happens when young children do not have the appropriate winter weather attire to explore the outdoors during the cold months? The staff at CCCC recognized that the children we serve needed clothing such as hats, boots, gloves, snow pants, and winter jackets…all of which can be very expensive. Thankfully, we have a wonderful community that stepped during this challenging time to help us at CCCC purchase winter clothing for our young learners.

The support we have received at CCCC from local businesses, private donations, and from working with United Way and Partners in Kind has made it possible for our students to continue being outdoor learners. The community assisted us in being able to acquire the appropriate attire for our children to continue playing and learning outdoors during every season.

CCCC would like to thank the following people and businesses for their monetary donations: Michael Kenline and Kyle Leikam from Merrill Lynch, Mike Borrello from Phillips Lytle, Tyler Gotowka from Lawley Insurance, A.D.D Lumber, Joel from Newburg Spine & Sport, Tilburg Electric, Lindsay Newburg from Renold Inc., TPS Supply, Shaun from Fadale Enterprises, and Brad Balentine and Mary Warren from Walmart. CCCC is also grateful to Partners In Kind, Marcy Conti, Joe Conti, Farrallo Inc., Stitch & A Prayer Group from Harvest Chapel, Mary Mills, Dottie Grant, Ann McIntyre, Christina Galardo, and RuthAnn Mrowka who were willing to take time out of their busy lives to help us with the collection of winter clothing.

With all of the support from our community, we were able to make sure that our classrooms have spare sets of clothing available for children who may not have coats, boots, or other items for wet or cold weather. We were also able to provide families with winter coats if they were in need. Children need to have opportunities to learn during all seasons, and with the help of our community, they have been able to.