Simmons Foods Donates $100,000 to Emporia Little Lyons Childcare Center
SILOAM SPRINGS, AR (September 4, 2024) – Today, Simmons Foods announced it will provide a $100,000 donation to support the Little Lyons Childcare Center in Emporia, KS. The donation will be distributed over five years, beginning in 2024, to help the center expand its services and address the critical childcare needs in the community.
Little Lyons Childcare Center celebrated the opening of its first three classrooms on August 27, 2024, with an open house for the community, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide essential childcare services. Renovations are set to begin this fall, with plans to open additional classrooms and transform the center into a 24/7 facility once all work is completed. This expansion is a crucial step in supporting local families, particularly parents who struggle with finding reliable childcare, often leading to work absences.
“We are thrilled to have the support of Simmons, which will enable us to provide reliable and flexible childcare options for families in the Emporia community,” said Jeanine McKenna, President and CEO of the Emporia Chamber of Commerce. “With the upcoming renovations, Little Lyons will transform into a 24/7 childcare center, meeting the needs of families who work beyond the traditional Monday through Friday 8 to 5 timeframe.”
"This new childcare center will be a game changer for our Team Members, especially those who need childcare beyond the standard 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. window,” Brian Potter, Vice President of Operations for Simmons Pet Food, said. “Our people-first culture at Simmons means supporting our Team Members both at the workplace and at home.”
Nick Braschler, Director of Chaplain Services and Community Giving for Simmons Foods, added, “Simmons strives to create real impact and change in the communities in which we operate. We’re happy to have the opportunity to support this valuable resource for our team members in Emporia.”
Little Lyons Childcare Center classes begin today. The Center is sponsored with CACFP and DCF approved.
For more information on Simmons Giving, watch here.
Little Lyons Childcare Center celebrated the opening of its first three classrooms on August 27, 2024, with an open house for the community.
Joey Lemay, Director of Equipment Optimization for Simmons Pet Food in Emporia and Board Chair for the Emporia Chamber of Commerce, spoke during the ribbon cutting.
Simmons Foods and its Affiliates are leading suppliers of poultry, pet and animal nutrition products based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Simmons works with farmers, communities, and employees to apply 70+ years of experience to serving customers. Simmons Prepared Foods ranks in the top 15 poultry producers in the United States, Simmons Pet Food is the largest supplier of store brand wet pet food in North America, and Simmons Animal Nutrition boasts an innovative line of proprietary animal nutrition products. With 9,000 team members, Simmons Foods and its Affiliates serve customers in all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world. To learn more, visit www.simmonsfoods.com.