Redlands Christian Migrant Association

RCMA SOUTH HIGHLANDS CENTER THANKS ITS PATRONS

From left:

Jatavis Spencer, Anthony Allen, Deniagh Walton, Adrianna Martinez sing for guests.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For information contact:

Karen Lowe, South Highlands CDC

(863) 699-3794

LAKE PLACID, FL – Nov. 21, 2007 – Donors and volunteers received a Thanksgiving “thank you” Wednesday from the children and staff of the South Highlands Child Development Center, operated by the Redlands Christian Migrant Association.

The South Highlands center, among RCMA’s more than 70 child care centers statewide, provides child care and early education for approximately 100 children of migrant and low-income families.

“This is our way of saying ‘thanks’ to many people in Lake Placid and Highlands County who have gone out of their way to help our children,” said Karen Lowe, RCMA’s early childhood specialist at the center.

RCMA extended a special thanks to Annett Bus Lines, Avon Park Rotary, Designer Dental, Heartland National Bank, Lake Placid Eye Clinic, Miller’s Central Air, Mr. Rooter Fassler Plumbing, New Hope Thrift Shop, Sally Rideout, Sower’s Group of Women’s Ministries, Steve’s Cargo Express and United Steel Workers of America.

More than 30 visitors enjoyed a program featuring songs and presentations performed by 2-year-olds in the Early Head Start program and 3- to 5-year-olds in the preschool program. Eight classrooms with approximately 40 children performed.

“I really didn’t know this was here for the children,” said Lee Burkhart, 91. “This is awesome, it’s wonderful.”

Mrs. Burkhart was among a dozen visitors from First Presbyterian Church of Lake Placid. The church’s Sower’s Group made and donated over 150 blankets for the children.

“I’m impressed how bright and clean everything is,” said Pastor Ray Cameron. “The kids seem happy to be here and they’re absolutely well cared-for. … It’s been a long time since I’ve been here, it’s nice to see how well it’s all developed.”

Another guest, Jeri Slaybaugh of Sebring, also was impressed with the children, as well as the teachers and staff. “The employees are all so cheerful. It has to be a divine calling to work and enjoy the children.” Mrs. Slaybaugh’s husband, Steve, own Steve’s Cargo Express, are regular donors to RCMA.

Founded n 1965 in the Redlands farming community of Miami-Dade County, RCMA serves approximately 8,000 children statewide, including more than 650 in Highlands County. Funded primarily by government grants, RCMA is also funded by the United Way, grants, foundations and generous individuals. Donations and volunteers are always needed; to help, call RCMA’s Karen Lowe at (863) 699-3794.

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