Press Release: 3/26

Contact:

The Children’s Education Center of the Islands

Wanda McKittrick, Executive Director

director@childrenseducationcenter.com

350 Casa Ybel Road

Sanibel, FL 33957

The Children’s Education Center of the Islands is proud to announce an emergency grant of $2,500 from the

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Kiwanis Club to facilitate the critical replacement of the school’s HVAC system. A

fully functioning and efficient climate control system is essential to maintaining a safe, healthy, and mold-free

environment for our students. This grant ensures that Thompson Hall remains a comfortable sanctuary for

learning, providing the necessary air filtration and cooling required for our tropical climate.

About The Children’s Education Center of the Islands

Established in 1974 and preparing to celebrate its 50th year on Sanibel in 2024, The Children’s Education

Center is a nature-based preschool that began as a parent co-op at the old Bailey’s General Store location on

the bay. The school moved to its current location on Casa Ybel Road in 1980. Our beautiful 5-acre campus

remains primarily undeveloped natural land and with the help of donors like the Kiwanis Club we have the

opportunity to keep our doors open for children to continue to explore the natural resources of our sanctuary

island.

About The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Kiwanis Club

The mission of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Kiwanis Club is to serve the children of the world, starting right

here in our own community. A mainstay of island philanthropy since 1973, the Kiwanis Club focuses on

providing scholarships, supporting youth recreation, and funding educational initiatives that empower the next

generation. Known for their dedicated volunteer spirit and signature fundraising events like the Kiwanis

Spaghetti Dinner, the club has a long history of stepping up for Sanibel’s youth. Their support of the Children’s

Education Center of the Islands is a testament to their enduring commitment to ensuring that every child on the

islands has the resources they need to thrive.