A gift of $10,000 from the Lois and Dean McAtee family will help ensure that “Growth Happens Here” at the Greene County Early Learning Center (GCELC), a nonprofit childcare center serving children and families from throughout Greene county.
As a family committed to philanthropy in Jefferson and Greene county, the McAtees join other individuals, families and businesses as supporters of the construction of a new building for the center in Jefferson that will increase its capacity for care by about 50 percent to nearly 150 children.
“I would like every child in Greene County to have the opportunity to grow and become who they want to be and reach their life goals, and I firmly believe this begins with superior early childcare,” Lois McAtee said of the family’s gift.
In the past few months, members of the GCELC volunteer fundraising steering committee have contacted businesses and individuals regarding support for the project with great success. Together with $469,941 in state grants, $500,000 from Grow Greene County and $250,000 in support from the Greene County Supervisors, donations have reached well over 85 percent of the goal.
“Many individuals and families have demonstrated their commitment to childcare through their support for the GCELC project to be built on the corner of Vine and Madison Streets. We want to make sure everyone who is interested in supporting the project has an opportunity to do so,” said fundraising co-chair Bill Monroe.
Persons who would like to contribute can contact the fundraising committee growthhappenshere@gmail.com, or send contributions to Greene County Early Learning Center, 204 W. Madison, Jefferson.
