Many families in our service area have basic needs unmet. As we launch into another school year, we have teamed up with Toys R’ Us and Babies R’ Us for an Early Childhood Essentials drive to support our local families. This “Stuff a Bus” event continues through September 9, and items can be dropped off at the following locations: Harley Franks Early Childhood Center in Lansing, Ingham ISD in Mason, Toys R’ Us in Okemos and Babies R’ Us in Delta Township.
The efforts will support families in the Ingham ISD service area including those living in Dansville, East Lansing, Haslett, Holt, Lansing, Leslie, Mason, Okemos, Stockbridge, Waverly, Webberville and Williamston.
“It’s really quite a simple process,” shares Mandy Stratton of Babies “R” Us, “You can visit either store and select an item of need or any items you would feel are beneficial for our early childhood families. You can also make monetary donations at our stores or round-up your total bill to the next dollar amount to assist local families. This is something that our company believes strongly in and has been spearheaded by employees who live and work in the area. We really want to make a difference for families.”
Identified essential items of need include:
- Diapers sizes 2 – 5
- Pull-ups sizes 3T – 5T
- Fragrant-free baby wipes
- 2T – 4T jackets
- Socks to fit toddlers and preschoolers
- Pediatric thermometers
- Safety items – cabinet locks and outlet covers
- Washable markers
- Large crayons
- Drawing and construction paper
- Teethers
- Wooden ABC blocks
- Baby nail clippers
Michelle Nicholson, Executive Director, Early Childhood Services at Ingham ISD said, “We worked with community organizations in our region through our Great Start Collaborative to identify high-need items. We are grateful to families and to Toys “R” Us for working together to support the youngest learners in our community. Together we are able to make a large impact.”
