HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — There area more than 700 childcare centers in Hillsborough County and a majority of them are feeling the impacts of COVID-19.
Many parents may have pulled their child out of childcare because their work situation changed, whether they were laid off or started working from home.
But, they're also needing supplies.
Cynthia Chipp runs a home daycare in Hillsborough County. She takes care of a lot of essential workers' kids and is open 24/7.
"We're the only ones who run the operation so we can't get out early in the morning to go pick up stuff and if you're not out early you miss out. So we work 7 days a week and it's still a challenge trying to get out," explains Chipp.
That's why the ELC is doing a supply drive to help childcare owners, like Chipp.
"To be able to make every provider a supply box for back to school to just help them with those cleaning supplies that they're going to need," explains Lorinda Gamson, Director of Provider Relations for the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.
Thanks to TECO, TECO People's Gas and Sunshine Health they've already kicked off the drive, halfway to their $50,000 goal. The donations will go to thermometers, gloves, masks and cleaning supplies for the centers. To donate, click here.
