Taking care of our migrant children

Dear Editor:

Are readers concerned about the dreadful news that children of immigrants and unaccompanied minors are being detained near our border with Mexico? So am I.

But I do have some good local news to report about he care of migrant children.

Here in New York state, and locally here in New Paltz, we have excellent child care centers giving the kids of our agricultural workers educational opportunities, along with medical and nutritional support.

I visited our local center and felt so encouraged to see all these children, so lively, enjoying themselves. I felt proud that my state supports this program. It was a needed antidote to the scenes of distressed, detained kids in this summer’s news.

I spoke with a staff member who said funding has been flat for many years. This makes costof-living raises for staff and expansion of services impossible. She would appreciate the support of community members. Writing to state legislators to ask for increased funding would be much appreciated.

In addition, the center always is looking for high-quality outdoor gear such as children’s boots and jackets, children’s books in Spanish, and durable outdoor play toys like shovels, buckets and balls.

Donations can be dropped off at the office at 355 Route 32N, near Horsenden Road, in New Paltz. The phone number is (845) 255-7571.

For more information about the Agri-Business Child Development Program, go to on. ny.gov/2pKSNXR. For details on the New Paltz center, go to bit. ly/2PsndcV.

Despite the fact that we are far away from our southern border, we still can actively support this local initiative. After all, this center takes excellent care of the children of the people who plant and harvest the food we eat.

Caroline Paulson, New Paltz