September 27, 2010

Skip-a-Long Child Development Services is naming its "Business Volunteer of the Year" as part of its 40th birthday party today. Also on hand for the celebration are Representative Pat Verschoore and Rock Island Dennis Mayor Pauley.

Skip-a-Long Child Development Services opened its doors forty years ago--on August 24th --with one student and grant monies from the state, local  churches, individuals, businesses and the Deere Foundation. Today there are four campuses in the Quad Cities serving more than 900 children on a daily basis.

As a way to celebrate its past and look forward to its future the centers are hosting birthday parties during the month of September and organizers are putting out the call for all alumni to come visit the campus they attended years ago.

The Rock Island party will take place from 12:00 pm until the center closes with a cookout for all alumni, parents and staff. There is a short awards program at noon to recognize family and business volunteers. State Representative Pat Verschoore and the Mayor Dennis Pauley, will speak at the program and then cut the special birthday cake for all the children. The media is invited to attend.

WHO: Rock Island Skip-a-Long Child Development Center WHAT: Birthday party with dignitaries, alumni, staff and friends

WHEN: Monday, September 27th party at the Rock Island campus (1609 4th Street) Noon cookout and program with Mayor Pauley and Rep. Verschoore

WHY: To celebrate the oldest child care center in the Quad Cities

Skip-a-Long Child Development Services officially turned 40 years old on August 24th.  An East Moline church opened its doors to  one student in 1970 and grant monies from the state, local churches, individuals, businesses and the Deere Foundation.  Today there are four campuses in the Quad Cities serving more than 1200 children on a daily basis.

The centers are celebrating throughout the month of September with four separate parties....with a big celebration scheduled for the Moline campus on September 30th from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm.  As a way to celebrate its past and look forward to its future the centers are putting out the call for all alumni to come visit the campus they attended years ago.

The center came about after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.  There was a group of concerned citizens worried about the working poor and came up with the idea of subsidized child care so kids at risk would have a safe, nuturing place to go during the day.  Volunteers and churches started it and the centers are still being run by volunteer boards. The centers are seeing 2nd and 3rd generations.