Our littlest ones are just emerging from, maybe still in, the developmental stage where they believe that they are the center of the universe and the world exists for the sole purpose of providing for their every need.  (Come to think of it, I know some grown folks who have not yet emerged from that stage.  I bet you do too.)  In any case, we are hard at work with the toddlers helping them to learn to enjoy sharing, much less all this other.  Still, the minute empathy makes its worthy presence known, we are ready.

Role modeling continues to be the very best teacher.   If children see that we value integrity, forthrightness, truthfulness, respect for others and their property, they are most likely to partake of these worthy character traits themselves.  Then when Dr. King’s followers arrive to judge us by the content of our character, we will have something pleasing to exhibit. 

Diana’s dear friend, who is disabled, was having a very hard time making ends meet.  Access to the Internet was important to the friend; it was her window to the world.  But it looked as if she would have to give it up; it was time for renewal of the computer bill on AOL and she did not have the money.

Federally funded, State contracted centers are required to feed the children at no extra charge to the child’s family.  This is a part of the “war on hunger” and we are pleased to be a part of that.  There have been times when we have discovered that a child or children have nothing to eat from the time the leave us one day until the next day when we feed breakfast.

While we do receive a subsidy to offer the morning meal, breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack,  it is another underfunded joke, but one for which we are grateful.  Assuring that our children receive one hundred percent of their daily nutritional requirements is very important to them and therefore to us.  Without community help, of course, we would not be able to do it.

At one time, we received 38 cents per day to offer each child a morning snack.  We know that young children need to feed often in smaller amounts.  We would offer juice and usually a cracker or something else in that category.  Then that was cut.   That was when Minute Maid moved in and provided us with all the juice we needed.   Others donated crackers and bread.  Of course when Minute Maid, a great corporate sponsor, moved away, we were bereft.

But that is when the churches and other community supporters moved in.  Last week, as I reported, the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown, and the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, regularly fill the gap.   This week, we are blessed to have milk, snacks and cereal from Segundo Conde, and from Russ & Deb Goddard.  In addition,   from St. Anthony’s Social Concerns (6 cases of snacks already); and from Beth El Synagogue Social Action Committee, came bottles of juice in impressive quantities arrived.  Al Werner brings in bread goods every week, as does Pete Bussone from Americana.   Bless you every one.  Hunger, take a hike.

With full tummies, our children are ready to enjoy all aspects of the program.   Many thanks, also, to those who provide for the educational/social development also.  Toys and books were donated by Barbara Regan, long time supporter.  And from good friend Jean Hutchinson who continues to carefully study whatever I say we need; this time pennies, paper, and cans.  Bless you many times.  What a joy to have friends who listen!  And act!

Bettie Witherspoon is a former executive director of Better Beginnings, which has provided affordable child care to the East Windsor/Hightstown area since 1967.