Stepping Stones Early Learning Center in Knoxville is continuing fundraising efforts for their “Step Up” capital campaign.

The center, which opened in 2006, launched its capital campaign to try and pay off the remaining debt from a mortgage they took out to initially build the facility. When the campaign started, $850,000 was left on the mortgage, and the center is now just $211,000 away from their goal of paying off that debt. The center has received several large donations from businesses, community foundations, and individuals, who have stepped up for the cause. Once the mortgage is paid off, the center will be able to use funds for costs and improvements for the facility. Stepping Stones Board President Erika Pleggenkuhle says their center is crucial for the Knoxville community.

“Stepping Stones is the only licensed child care center in Knoxville, and one of three in Marion County so there truly is a childcare shortage in the county. We have various in-home daycares as well, but even that is challenging for overhead cost. It is really critical infrastructure for Knoxville to continue to grow and expand. With the VA district and other areas blossoming we need to be able to provide childcare solutions for others moving into our community.”

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 an online donation through their website at www.knoxvillesteppingstones.com/donate. Hear more from Erika Pleggenkuhle about the “STEP UP” capital campaign on today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.