BECOME A FRIEND

Many of you have been reading about the financial plight of licensed child care and early learning facilities in San Juan County. There are only eight in all of the county and several have had to turn away students because of financial concerns.

Lopez Island is fortunate to have a beautiful, new facility in Lopez Village with professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated staff. But, unfortunately, the Lopez Children’s Center (LCC) is no different than the others in being under constant fundraising pressure to assure that parents of preschool children have access to safe, dependable, enriching early childhood experiences and care.

Why is this issue so important? Early childhood education is a top predictor of success for children. A recent study documents a return to society of $17 for every $1 invested in high quality care. The study shows that adults at age 40 who participated in a high-quality preschool program in their early years have higher earnings, are more likely to hold a job, have committed fewer crimes, and are more likely to have graduated from high school.

What can you do to help? Contributions to the Center or its Endowment Fund are always appreciated, But we realize money can be short for many.

You CAN join the Friends of Lopez Children’s Center! You can participate in this newly formed group as much (or as little) as you like. Don’t like to attend regular meetings? No problem. You can just participate in special projects or events in line with your own interests and time constraints.

If you’re into gardening, LCC needs regular grounds weeding, weed-whacking, thistle pulling, and maintenance. Like to cook? Volunteer to bring cookies or other baked goods to the Apron Auction or other special events. One such group of Lopez cooks has just finished a cookbook project as an LCC fundraiser.

If you’d like more information on becoming a Friend of Lopez Children’s Center, call Shanley Lett at 360-468-3990 or email lettos@rockisland.com.

And, check out other ways you can help LCC at our home page in the topics listed under the BECOME A FRIEND heading.