Early Childhood Center offers winter wear

Published 9:41 am Friday, December 9, 2011

SOUTH POINT — The weather in southern Ohio can get mighty frightful in the winter.

Recognizing that sometimes families need help outfitting their children for cold temperatures, the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center has set up a “warming” tree to provide for any needy child who takes advantages of the services under the center’s umbrella.

“We know there are families in the area who have problems getting adequate clothing for wintertime,” said Tim Nunnery, public relations and personnel director for the Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

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The tree, set up in the reception area of the ECC, is decorated with mitten, gloves, hats and scarves, donated by the staff.

ECC director Sue Vanderhoof said there is only one rule when taking an item from the tree.

“If you need one, take one,” she said.

Vanderhoof said it is not uncommon to see children not dressed appropriately for the temperature.

“We serve daily 150-200 infants, toddlers and preschoolers,” she said.

Children included under the ECC’s umbrella are early childhood program children from birth to 5 years old, Head Start children, Help Me Grow Early Intervention children and others who take advantage of therapy programs and home-visits.

Vanderhoof said the warming tree also benefits children who lose track of a mitten or scarf and aren’t prepared to go back out in the cold.

“Teachers can see if the child needs it,” she said.

Although the initial items on the tree were donated by staff members, Vanderhoof said the ECC would accept community donations.

“If anyone wants to donate any warm things, we would like them to be new or gently used,” she said. We’ll be glad to accept them.”

To donate item, drop them off with Sue Ann Harvey, receptionist at the ECC.

To learn more about the ECC or the LCBDD, “like” their new Facebook page.