Lloyd Center Annual Fund 2020

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For thousands of South Coast students, the Lloyd Center has been their only source of in-classroom naturalist visits and on-site field trips, but like many other local organizations, our program has been hit hard by the COVID-19 closures (see chart). We’ve had to adapt to make sure that nature education doesn’t disappear from the lives of these children. Our education team swung into action, inventing teaching programs using Zoom and creating virtual field trips and presentations.

“The Education Team adapted to the turn in education last spring. Liz joined our Zoom call … and provided the students with closure of the Feathery Focus program. She personally engaged them virtually as she had done in person for years!” — 3rd Grade Teacher, Dartmouth Public Schools

But the schools have not been able to pay much for these programs. While we hope to get back into the classrooms soon, the date when that will happen is uncertain, and as a consequence our earned income has taken a big loss and our operating budget is tight.

We were so happy to hear the delightful sounds of children participating in our Summer Programs. With health and safety precautions in place, we offered small class sizes and a safe, masked environment. We already fill a unique environmental education niche in the area, but this year the children especially wanted the social interactions and the parents needed a break to tend to daily responsibilities.

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“The Lloyd Center has been such an amazing educational and fun experience for my daughter for the past two years. She comes home excited to share everything she has learned that day and is beyond happy to return the next day … It is a hands-on approach that uses all of your senses to keep kids engaged and excited about learning.” — 2020 Summer Program Parent

We are asking for your support during this critical time. We will put the funds to immediate use in many ways, including our new After School Programs. Please consider increasing your donation. We need your help to support these crucial programs.

Click here to make a donation today!

On behalf of the students, thank you!

Sincerely,

Kinnaird Howland                                                          Otto Schleinkofer
Co-Chair of the Board                                                    Co-Chair of the Board

 

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