The Stepping Stones Early Learning Center in Knoxville received a $75,000 donation from Marion County Bank on Wednesday.

The donation kicked off the Learning Center’s “STEP UP” capital campaign fundraiser. The goal of the capital campaign is to raise $600,000 to pay off the loan from the original build and allow for payments to be redirected towards ongoing costs, improvements, wages, and potential expansion in the future. Stepping Stones Board President Erika Pleggenkuhle says that once the debt is paid, the center will allow them to use the finances on other needs. 

“Our hope with this campaign of eliminating that will allow us to primarily focus on staffing and wages. Currently there is a very large child care crisis in the state of Iowa with recruiting and getting qualified applicants. While there isn’t necessarily a shortage of spots, there’s plenty of centers with open spots that simply don’t have the staff to fill those spots and vacancies which causes a great impact on any of the communities that these centers are a part of.” 

Marion County Bank COO Ron Zantingh stated that they want to give back to the community and are showing their commitment to serve the children and families of Knoxville and the surrounding areas. 

Donations can be made by sending a check to Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, 300 Panther Drive, Knoxville, Iowa 50138. Venmo: @knoxvillesteppingstones. Or by making and online donation through their website at www.knoxvillesteppingstones.com/donate