Children are enrolled in low-income learning and assistance program Two Eatonville business owners are organizing a gift drive for children of underprivileged families. Your help is needed to help make the holidays brighter for our local ECEAP families. The children are participants locally in ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program), a free, state-funded preschool and assistance program for children of low- income families. Children enrolled in ECEAP are provided with a preschool experience geared to their individual needs and skills. Activities include building self-esteem, nutritional meals, early literacy, math, motor activities, and health screenings. Families of the children also have opportunities for job-training, family education, volunteer opportunities and community resources. The ECEAP program in Eatonville serves 18 families. Some of the children are in the care of relatives or foster homes, and some lack adequate shelter, said Nancy Mettler of Mountain Fitness. Mettler and Diane Wisley of PostNet are partnering in the Elves for ECEAP drive to collect warm clothing and skill-building toys. "We want to bring a little holiday cheer and at the same time improve the educational outlook for our own local children in need,GÇ¥ said Mettler. Donors can visit either PostNet or Mountain Fitness, which are neighboring businesses on Mashell Avenue, and pick up a wish-tag for much-needed items. Unwrapped gifts may be returned to either business by Dec. 20. Businesses or individuals may also make a cash donation by Dec. 8 to be used for purchasing gifts. Additional information is available from Mettler at 360-832-7600 and Wisley at 360-832-1140. "Your help is much appreciated in this effort to make this a little nicer Christmas for some great local children and families,GÇ¥ said Mettler, who in past years has organized a drive for donations of new bicycles to give to needy children. That drive is conducted every other. This is one of the off years.
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