On Saturday, Aug. 13, at 6 a.m. volunteers started arriving at The Children’s Center to replace the roof. More than 80 volunteers helped replace the roof that day. With the help of Shinefest and the community of Albert Lea, we were able to finish the project in one day.

Thank you to all the volunteers who willingly gave their time on a beautiful Saturday in the summer to help with the project. A special thank you does need to go out to Ryan Applegate and Jim Troe. These extraordinary men are with the Shinefest organization, and we would not have been able to do it without them. With their help we were able to assemble a crew of skilled and non-skilled workers who all helped contribute to the success of the project. Additionally, a special thanks goes out to the board of directors at The Children’s Center for all of their hard work on the committees and the day of the project. Everyone worked so hard that day and the project was a success.

We would also like to thank the many donors and funders to this project. More than $8,000 was raised in a little over two months to help with the cost of materials. We received donations of food, water and equipment for the work day.

We at The Children’s Center feel very blessed to be in the community of Albert Lea and Freeborn County. The support that we have been shown is overwhelming, and we will continue to do our part to show our gratitude by providing high quality care and education to the area’s children. Because of the support with this program we can continue to be “A Place to Learn and Grow.”

Kim Nelson

executive director

The Children’s Center

Albert Lea