ITHACA, NY (WENY) - United Way of Tompkins County and the Community Foundation of Tompkins County have teamed up to provide funding to the Child Development Council, as they help families in need due to the coronavirus' impact on their households.

The organizations have provided joint funding, enabling the Child Development Council to respond to inquiries for both baby supplies and child care scholarships for families. Child Development Council’s CEO Sue Dale-Hall says, "Families need our help and we are grateful for the partnership with the United Way and the Community Foundation who have been quick to meet these emerging needs in our community.”

Families with young children whose monthly household budgets have been adversely affected because of business closings, lay-offs, and unemployment will be able to access baby formula, diapers, and wipes through the Child Development Council. Supplies are limited, and can be requested by completing this form. Families will receive more information and an assigned pickup time after completing the form. 

Essential workers in need of child care for their preschool and school aged children will be able to apply for child care scholarships through this funding. Dale-Hall says, “We really need our health care and emergency services personnel to be able to go to work and care for our community. Child care scholarships will help those who have had to find new care when their circumstances change."

If the families do not need financial help, the Child Development Council will provide support finding child care placements currently open. Families interested in either opportunities can email [email protected].

United Way of Tompkins County awarded a grant of $10,254 from donor contributions, while Community Foundation of Tompkins county awarded a grant of $10,000 to make these projects possible. 

You can give to the United Way of Tompkins County here, and give to the Community Foundation here by writing “COVID-19 Relief Fund” under "fund name."