The Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA), which operates a childcare and early-childhood education facility at Belmont Park for backstretch families, needs supplies for infants and toddlers. The BCCA provides vital support to those who work in Thoroughbred racing, but Mar. 17 they closed their facility, called Anna House, consistent with Nassau County's decision to close public schools to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
“Anna House has been an integral part of the community, 365 days a year, since 2003 when we opened. This is the first time we've ever been closed,” said BCCA Chairman Michael Dubb. “The backstretch has always been one big family of hard working people and they are the unsung stars of the sport. We're extremely troubled to have had to close our doors because we know how much the families rely on us.”
The BCCA is collecting donations of much-needed items including diapers, wipes, diaper cream, powered milk, and formula, among other items. If you wish to donate, go to www.belmontchildcare.org/blog for additional information.
The BCCA is working with the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), the New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America, and the Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST) to coordinate accepting and distributing items to those in need.
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