A South Side nonprofit made the tough choice to shut down its children’s center this week, leaving many families disappointed.
, at 600 E. 61st St. in West Woodlawn, offered bags with toys, books, and masks for families to pick up and take home; because the nonprofit play center is closed due to COVID.
“I was so sad,” said Elaine’s mom, Bronte Beecroft. “It’s something that has really helped me and my daughter, especially my daughter socialize.”Frisch says she relied on the advice of two pediatricians on the nonprofit’s board. “They advised us to close based on all the hospitalizations and the sick kids were at a peak,” Frisch said. “The issue here is that our age group cannot be vaccinated.”That age group is kids younger than four. Some of them have caregivers or family members who are elderly, vulnerable, or possibly unvaccinated.
“It’s so nice that they keep on putting an effort to better the community and show that they care about us,” said Beecroft.And the Beecrofts and other families can still pick up their at-home activities twice a week.