The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced plans to support childcare centers and families in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The foundation has agreed to allocate $125,000 toward the cost of tuition payments for the month of October at licensed early childhood development centers throughout Watauga County.
In a press release, President and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce David Jackson said this would be a way to ensure stability in the childcare industry, while also freeing up cash for families to cover storm-related expenses.
"As more of our community is able to return to work, these centers are going to be part of that critical infrastructure that allows that to happen," Jackson said.
The funds will be allocated to The Children’s Council of Watauga County and distributed to licensed facilities early next week.
The chamber is still seeking donations to provide support to the business community and will identify additional disbursements in the coming days.
Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.