When the COVID-19 outbreak hit and schools were being closed, Piedmont Healthcare’s leaders knew they would need to do something to help their staff members with children at home. The Piedmont Healthcare Foundation raised over $250,000 for the Daycare Support Fund, $150,000 of which came directly from board members. These funds allowed for the operation of emergency on-site day care centers at Piedmont’s metro Atlanta hospitals. More than 250 children are attending one of the childcare centers at Piedmont Atlanta, Fayette, Henry, Newnan, Newton, Rockdale, or Walton hospitals. The funds can also be used for approved at-home childcare services.
“Childcare is a critical resource for Piedmont employees, as schools are closed for the remainder of the school year,” said Sid Kirschner, Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Piedmont Foundation. “The support from our foundation board and members of the community are truly making a positive difference in the lives of our staff and their families.”
Having child care on-site removes an obstacle that would otherwise keep some front-line staff members at home with limited options, especially when physical distancing removes other options. The on-site day care centers keep groups small and monitor for signs of illness. The students practice good hygiene and can even continue with their digital learning from their schools. Many of the on-site day cares have received support from the community in the form of donations of snacks or supplies.
If you would like to support the Daycare Support Fund, or donate items to a particular childcare center at one of the hospitals, reach out to philanthropy@piedmont.org.
