The Children’s Center is a nonprofit organization that provides working families affordable and accessible early childhood education and child care. It is a multicultural, bilingual program offered five days a week. The goal is to provide a learning environment that enhances the development of each child. In the mid 1960’s, the elementary school principal, lsaac Wilborn, realized that a number of children were frequently absent because they were caring for their younger siblings while their parents worked.

He reached out to Billie Hack (WAHHI President 1965 to 1966) asking her to help him develop a facility where parents could leave their children while at work. The Child and Youth Development Center opened in 1969 with WAHHI paying for the first month’s rent. Since about 2005, the children at the Center have received holiday gifts from the WAHHI annual toy drive. In 2019 WAHHI donated 350 wrapped gifts and $195.

WAHHI recently asked Jody Levitt, Director of the Center the impact of the toy drive. She replied, “It is such a blessing to partner with WAHHI on behalf of our children every year. Many parents struggle at this time of year, balancing the desire to provide a nice Christmas for their children and paying their mortgage and utility bills. The kindness of WAHHI ensures every child a new gift under their tree … Your generosity lets these children know that they are loved and there is much goodness in our community. This year, WAHHI will be providing toys for about 120 children ages 3 months to age 8.”