The Tomah Health Community Foundation has stepped forward to help childcare and educational opportunities in Tomah. Members of the foundation donated $2,000 to Sprouts Christian Childcare and $4,000 to the Tomah School of Childhood during a media event May 29.
Sprouts Childcare director Krishna Battista said they will use the donation to purchase safety furniture for its location at 625 W. Veterans St. in Tomah. “It is absolutely amazing,” said Battista. “We are so appreciative. The foundation and really our community as a whole has done such a wonderful job supporting us as we’ve recently opened our childcare center in September and it’s been able to be such a success because of the support we’ve received.”
Tomah School of Childhood director Michele Wedemeier said they plan to use their donation to add space for a large motor area for children and purchase playground equipment at its facility at 115 W. LaCrosse St. in Tomah. “This is amazing and a great opportunity for us to be able to apply for this donation,” said Wedemeier. “We’re not able to get outside as much as we would like to due to the Wisconsin weather. So it’s still important to get the kids active, running, jumping, and moving.”
Battista and Wedemeier said it is challenging to offer childcare and educational opportunities for children due to the economy and staff issues. “The greatest need is for children two and under because there are some preschool options in the area, but there is such a huge need for quality childcare,” explained Battista. “We have lots of ideas and with the community’s support, we’re able to expand and grow and serve those needs.”
Tomah Health Community Foundation president Brian Eirschele said the donations support the mission of the foundation to help not-for-profit organizations that enhance the health and wellness of residents in Monroe County, while specifically filling the gap for childcare and educational opportunities for children. “It is absolutely a thrill to be part of the Tomah Area Health Foundation and able to help out the people of our local community. It means the world to all of us who sit on the board, that we as a group can help support our community in health-based initiatives.”
Eirschele said the foundation raises funds through various investments and events like their annual golf outing, which is scheduled Aug. 7 at the Hiawatha Golf Club in Tomah. “Donations are our best direction right now. If people are able to give to the foundation, it’s great.”