It's Never Too Early to Learn the Art of Giving

On Sunday, Oct. 21 children at Miss Debbie's Creative Child Care Center in Plainview will not only be having tons of fun sliding and climbing in their new playground, they will be learning an important lesson in giving as well.

Miss Debbie's will be hosting their first annual "Slide-a-Thon" in order to raise money for the new playground they installed earlier this year. However, after the events of Sept. 11, co-owners Debbie Bedell and Andrea Holmes have decided to incorporate a bake sale into the event to help the firefighters of Ladder Company No. 55.

"Originally the event was designed to raise money for our new playground, but in light of the World Trade Center tragedy, we felt that we wanted to do our part to help," said Bedell. "One of our teacher's husband is a firefighter and five men in his company are missing. We have organized a bake sale that will be open to the public and all the proceeds will be donated to his Ladder Company."

Although the younger children might not understand the good deeds they are doing, the children 3 years of age and older are being told how this event will be helping people in need. Part of Miss Debbie's curriculum includes a "Random Acts of Kindness" program, and this event is a strong reinforcement of the concept.

"We teach children to be kind and giving to one another. We reward them when they do a good deed such as sharing a favorite toy or comforting a friend who is hurt," said Holmes. "By setting an example such as the Slide-a-Thon and bake sale we serve as role models for our children in hopes they too will mirror compassion for others."

Even the Slide-a-Thon is a lesson in good will and not just an effort to raise funds. Each time a child completes a slide during the Slide-a-Thon, they will be earning money through sponsorships to pay for their new playground, which is dedicated to the memory of Darlene Greenidge.

Greenidge was a single mom whose son was enrolled in Miss Debbie's for three years. She had the courage to flee an abusive marriage and to start a new life for herself. Her income was $100 more than the county would allow in order to receive assistance for her childcare fees. Instead of asking her employer to pay her $100 less a month so she could comply with the county and receive aid, she worked out a payment plan with the school in order to set a good example for her son. Then, last April, she suddenly died from an undetected cancer.

"Darlene was a strong woman of character and integrity and before she died, I promised her that her legacy would be an inspiration for other single moms," said Bedell.

Miss Debbie's has dedicated the playground to the memory of Greenidge so that others will know the incredible woman that she was. They have also created a full scholarship slot, designated for a child of a single mom, to their program in her honor.

"Giving to hurting people is not only our responsibility as citizens, it is our duty as role models for our children," said Holmes. "The Slide-a-Thon and bake sale are just a small part of the whole picture, but, now more than ever, it is so important to encourage the goodness in this world."

The Slide-a-Thon and bake sale will take place on Sunday, Oct. 21 from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Miss Debbie's Creative Childcare Centers located at 88 Southern Parkway in Plainview. Please call 433-6131 for more information.