HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. -- Home childcare provider Alita Ford has never used so much bleach in her life.

“Wash your hands and then masks up! And good to go,” she tells her kids every day.

The cancer survivor has to worry about her own health along with her kids and their families. 

“I’m not going to lie, its been really challenging. My anxiety is sometimes at an 8 or a 9,” she said.

Unfortunately, supplies and PPE are scarce.

Its the reason why the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County launched a COVID-19 relief supply drive — to benefit more than 700 providers in the area. 

Thanks to a $25,000 donation from TECO energy, childcare providers will also get a medical grade infrared thermometer. 

They’ll collect supplies and monetary donations until late July. 

“Childcare providers want to keep their children and their families safe, so our board of directors came together and decided that they wanted to run a supply drive that would help all of our childcare providers with the necessary items to help keep children and families safe,” said director of resource development Alison Fraga.

“I like to know that the community is helping the community,” Ford said.

Those interested in donating can visit, elchc.org/donate. 

For in-kind donations, please contact ELCHC’s Director of Resource Development and Community Relations, Alison Fraga, at afraga@elchc.org. 

Finally, to learn more about the ELCHC and the tremendous support that it offers the community of Hillsborough County, please visit ELCHC.org or follow on Facebook at @elchc.org.