Times Observer photo by Jessica N. Rex Key Moments Childcare Center will hold its 2nd annual fundraising sale. Pictured in front of the doors of the facility’s gym, where the sale will be held, are teachers Logan Hammond, Bryana Hesslink, Director Madison Gurdak, and Celina Leach.

When raising children, it’s been said that “It takes a village.” In just a few short years, Key Moments Childcare Center has been part of that village for families and are asking the rest of the village to support their cause as well. Community members are invited to shop for a great cause at an upcoming indoor rummage sale benefiting the children and families of Key Moments Childcare Center. The event will take place on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gym of the childcare center, located at 677 Hospital Drive, Suite J, Warren. Signs will be posted to help guide visitors to the location.

In response to a huge need in childcare, especially for infants, Key Moments was opened in October 2023 through the nonprofit Don Mills Achievement Center. It has expanded to a five classroom facility serving 70 families with children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. It is one of few centers in Warren that takes infants at such a young age.

Key Moments Childcare Center has a mission to focus on several keys when choosing a program. This includes friendly staff with a super clean environment, a safe location for children to play, a knowledgeable set of teachers, stimulating activities, an easy to use payment system, plenty of options for interaction with other kids, and a location close to family’s home or work. Year round, high quality, developmentally appropriate care is found at the center with many opportunities to involve parents in their children’s education by keeping an open line of communication between families and staff members.

Every room currently has 12 to 15 children enrolled. Although there is a waiting list, the center hopes to have the means to increase enrollment at its full occupancy and continue to provide quality care to families in need.

The rummage sale will be held indoors, in the gymnasium, ensuring that the event will take place rain or shine. Shoppers can browse a wide variety of items and make a donation in exchange for the items they choose, with all proceeds directly supporting programming and resources for the children and families served by the nonprofit childcare center.

Last year, the first sale brought in nearly $1,000 which went toward new furniture and supplies for the classrooms and provided for their summer activities as well.

“This is a great way for the community to come together, find some treasures, and support a meaningful cause,” said Kristen Tubbs, a board member who organized the event.

Now the center’s biggest annual fundraiser, the main goal of any of their fundraisers is to be able to keep tuition rates as low as possible.

“Breaking last year’s amount would be amazing,” said director Madison Gurdak.

She added how gym equipment and outdoor play equipment is an ongoing need for the childcare center. Additionally, new programs are already in the making for the center to expand its help to the community.

Donations are being accepted and volunteers are needed to help prepare for the sale. Cash and venmo accepted at the sale. For more information and event updates, visit the Key Moments Childcare Center Facebook page.