Clark Associates Charitable Foundation recently awarded New Holland Early Learning Center (NHELC) a $50,000 matching grant for revitalization of its kitchen, which feeds over 100 children daily. The center is approved to serve up to 336 meals for children per day. However, the original kitchen does not meet the growing demand for breakfast, lunch, and snacks for about 100 children each day.
The center plans to renovate the kitchen and install a commercial kitchen. The total cost for renovations will be $145,000. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional financial burdens on the center which essential workers rely upon for child care.
The commercial kitchen will include a commercial sanitizing dishwasher, which will not only clean dishes but will help the center with the task of sanitizing toys. Toys need to be washed frequently, and a commercial dishwasher will help accomplish this task more quickly and efficiently. The renovation will also include stainless steel wall cabinets, sinks, worktables, a reach-in refrigerator, an oven, flooring, installation, and construction.
Since its reopening, the NHELC has made changes to its systems to make sure that the children and staff are safe. Children learn and play with the same group of children, and the same staff are kept with the same class. Children and staff spend most of the day outdoors. When indoors, staff and children age 2 and older wear masks. Hand washing and disinfecting rooms and toys happens frequently.
This is the first major capital campaign in the history of the center. Even though the pandemic has added some unforeseen problems and more stringent protocols to follow, the center continues to serve the community and work to keep children safe.
For more information or to support the capital campaign, readers may contact Wanda Gonzalez-Bortzel at 717-354-4440 or wcoleman@nhelc.org.
Leave a Review