How the Russell County Community Child Care Coalition Is Supporting Local Providers

The Russell County Community Child Care Coalition (RCCC) is on a mission to uplift and encourage the child care providers who serve families across the county. This year, their efforts have focused on showing appreciation, offering practical support, and creating moments of joy for those working every day to care for young children.

Brightening the Start of the School Year

In August, members of the RCCC delivered 18 “Back to School Sunshine Baskets” to local child care providers. These cheerful baskets were filled with yellow-themed items—highlighters, sticky notes, and other classroom essentials—chosen to bring a little brightness into each program while supplying much-needed materials.

A Make & Take Pizza Party

Most recently, the coalition hosted a Make and Take Pizza Party as a heartfelt thank-you to providers for their hard work and dedication. Each participant received a large pizza crust along with sauce, cheese, and toppings of their choice, plus a Dole side salad. Providers could take their customized pizza home to bake or freeze for later—an easy, no-stress meal after a long day.

All ingredients were generously donated to the coalition, helping make the event possible. Providers were also invited to bring a classroom wish list, and submitting one entered them into a drawing for one of three door prizes. Five Russell County providers attended, and the RCCC team shared how grateful they were to offer this time of connection and appreciation.

Looking Ahead

The coalition isn’t slowing down. Their next event—a Movie Night at Dream Theater—will give providers a chance to enjoy a film along with one free concession item in December. Even more events are already in the works for 2026, as the RCCC continues finding creative ways to support and celebrate the child care community.