March 2, 2021 we help celebrate Read Across America Day, which corresponds with children’s author, Dr. Seuss’ Birthday! While our ELC staff channel their inner Cat in the Hat, preschoolers throughout our 4-county region read their favorite Dr. Seuss book, or do theme-related crafts. Photos courtesy of Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center and the YMCA of South Collier-Marco.

It’s all about the CLEAN. As preschools got up and running following the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, our ELC was there to support them. Cleaning supplies, masks, face shields, thermometers and paper goods were distributed in June by ELC employees and Board of Directors members to 100 preschools in the 4 counties we serve.

Our Literacy Buddy Program is taking off- thanks to a generous Southwest Florida community! Companies like Busey Bank, Hertz,  and Humana; social and civic groups such as Pi Beta Phi Fort Myers Alumnae, LaBelle Woman’s Club and others – books for this program have been pouring in. These books have been added in to our Literacy Buddy Library, and also distributed to the preschools we serve.