Daycare providers are essential to agriculture workers being able to carry out their jobs every day. To show gratitude and appreciation for these providers, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation and Iowa Select Farms donated $100,000 in toys to Iowa daycares through Henry’s Heroes Little Farmer Toy Box program.
Colorful toy boxes were filled to the brim with farming-inspired books, toys and learning materials for 1-to-4-year-old children. Iowa Select Farms employees and contractors nominated 100 daycare providers for their care, dedication and support to those who work in agriculture. Each of these providers received one of the Little Farmer Toy Boxes between Feb. 16 to March 16, Iowa Select Farms said in a release.
“We were blown away by this thoughtful gesture,” Rhonda Messerly, a day care provider in Moorland, Iowa, said in the release. “The last two years of doing extra COVID precautions like bleaching and cleaning has taken a toll on our toys. We’ve been bringing in items from our homes or purchasing new ones with our own money. This toy box stuffed with brand new toys and books means a lot.”
Iowa Select Farms says the goal of the Little Farmer Toy Box initiative is twofold: to uplift a sector that is essential to agriculture and offset the costs of new toys that help cultivate a fun and engaging learning experience.
“While delivering, we took the time to listen to the struggles this sector has been facing,” says Ali Kraber, director of public affairs at Iowa Select Farms. “We heard stories about the ups and downs, the long hours, the late evenings, the early mornings and what it was like to maintain a safe yet fun environment during a global pandemic.”
The toy box effort spanned 47 communities in 33 counties.
“Receiving this was a morale booster for me,” Jamie Schutt, a day care provider in Alden, Iowa, said in the release. “It bothers me when I see articles online painting daycares in a negative light. I love this profession and understand the important role in early childhood development. I am glad I can support local families through something I love doing.”
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
How Tosh Farms Is Equipping an Unlikely Source of Employees In the Sow Barn
Look at the Person, Not the Mistakes: Tosh Farms Opens New Doors for Women in Ag
