Heroes Campaign

The Davidson-Cornelius Daycare center was founded in response to a tragic fire in the 1950s that claimed the lives of three young children. Their mother had no access to daycare and had left them alone while she worked outside the home to support them.

In response to this tragedy, a group of socially conscious citizens set about to address this community's need for safe affordable childcare. Community members, the faith community, and Davidson College staff united around the creation of a community daycare center. That vision became became reality when the group purchased land, constructed and furnished a building, hired staff, and welcomed children to the Davidson-Cornelius Day Care Center in 1969.

Now, more than forty years later, that dream is at risk as the day care has been confronted with a "perfect storm" of financial challenges. Among them, reduced reimbursements from the state ($8,000/month previously; $600/month currently), and a dearth of full pay children, and the economic downturn leaving 24 of 27 families in the bottom of three sliding-scale payment tiers.

The board is creating a task force, with assistance from Mayor John Woods, made up of early childhood educators and daycare professionals, business people, and two board members. The Task Force will create a financially sustainable business model which meets the needs of the children in our community. The board is communicating daily with employees to keep them up to date on the situation.

In the spirit of the original founders, we're calling upon the Davidson-Cornelius community to support the Daycare in this urgent time of need. We are seeking to raise $64,000 in order to keep the daycare afloat for the next four months as we restructure and develop a sustainable new business plan.

Donations can be made online via PayPal:

   

Alternatively, mail your check to:

    North Mecklenburg Child Development Association
    P.O. Box 848
    Davidson, NC 28036

Corporate matching donations are a great way to increase the impact of your gift.

Email: DavidsonDayCare@gmail.com
Phone: 704-892-1228.
Street Address: 242 Gamble Street, Davidson

We must reach this goal as soon as possible or the daycare will be forced to close its doors. Please take a moment to support this institution which speaks to the very heart of Davidson’s unique commitment to affordability and community.