IC3 has been serving the Ithaca community since 1976, and we are proud of the impact we have had on local families. The support of the community over the years continues to enable us to provide high quality care and help us to create a nurturing environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning for young children.
As a non-profit, we recognize the value of service and community involvement and at IC3 we strongly believe in giving back and investing in the Ithaca community. We actively support other local nonprofits that enrich the lives of children and families in the community through program sponsorship support, center-wide and classroom-led donation drives, and community event participation. After all, we wouldn’t be the Ithaca Community Childcare Center without the Ithaca Community!
Program Sponsorship Support
Family Reading Partnership
The Family Reading Partnership is a non-profit community organization based in Ithaca that promotes early literacy. IC3 is firm supporter and advocate of early literacy which we actively promote daily within our classrooms. As an important part of the Ithaca Community, IC3 also strives to connect children in our community, beyond those enrolled in our programs, to books by participating in the Books to Grow On program through the Family Reading Partnership.
Early experiences with books help children develop language, imagination, increased attention span, and learn about the world around them. IC3 is currently sponsoring the 12-month book, Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis, handed out to families at their pediatrician’s office during their child’s 12-month old well visit. We are proud to partner with the Family Reading Partnership by supporting the Books to Grow On program and by helping children throughout the community foster a lifelong love of books and learning.
Hangar Theatre and State Theatre
Children enrolled in IC3 toddler, pre-k, and summer camp programs regularly attend Kiddstuff performances at the Hanger Theatre and shows offered through the State Theatre Family Series each year, and have benefited greatly from these experiences. These shows foster imagination and inspire children throughout the Ithaca community. IC3 is proud to have sponsored or co-sponsored several Hanger Theatre Kiddstuff performances and State Theatre Family Series performances. By sponsoring these programs IC3 aims to help our local theatres continue to offer high quality family performances in particular those that promote a love of books by bringing the page to the stage.
Donation Drives
Throughout the year, IC3 holds a variety of donation drives that support local nonprofits. Donation drives are often led by classrooms and offer a valuable learning experience for our children. Many of the organizations we support will visit classrooms and teach the children about what they do in the community and helping others.
IC3 has supported the following organizations or causes through donation drives:
- Stephen E. Garner Day of Caring Food and Personal Care Items Drive through the United Way of Tompkins County
- Tompkins County SPCA
- Family Reading Partnership book drive
- American Red Cross
- Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Diaper Drive
Community Event Participation
Ithaca Festival Parade
The Ithaca Festival is a four day music and arts celebration held the Thursday-Sunday after Memorial Day. Each year, IC3 participates in the Ithaca Festival parade kicking off the weekend’s festivities. The Ithaca Festival is a time for local community groups, artists, musicians, and performers to get together and “celebrate the artist in everyone.” IC3 parents, children, and staff look forward making decorations and dressing up to march in the parade each year!
Kids’ Book Fest
The Family Reading Partnership organizes a Kids’ Book Fest every year in November. The festival offers a variety of free activities and entertainment for children centered on books. Each year’s activities revolve around a theme, a specific author, and a book based on the theme. IC3 is a regular participant in the Kid’s Book Fest, offering book-related hands on activities for children at the festival.
Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes Walkathon & 5K Run
The Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes’ mission is to create and sustain a community of support for people living with and affected by cancer. Each year, the IC3 staff participates to help raise money for the Cancer Resource Center.
Relay for Life
Each July Ithaca College hosts a Relay for Life event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. An IC3 staff team participates as walkers and IC3 assists with activities for children at the event.
Tough Turtle
The Tough Turtle is a 5K obstacle course race and annual fundraiser for the Ithaca Children’s Garden. A team of IC3 staff participates each year.