Mark Spain and YMCA Help First Responders and Healthcare Workers with Childcare During COVID-19

ATLANTA - April 27, 2020 - PRLog -- Healthcare workers and first responders are faced with overwhelming demand for their expertise during the coronavirus outbreak. On top of that, many have childcare needs with schools being closed.

The Mark Spain Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Mark Spain Real Estate, saw the potential to help.

It has a long affiliation with the YMCA, annually fundraising to provide children access to programs including summer camp. When Mark Spain learned of the YMCA's efforts to provide childcare for healthcare workers and emergency responders during the COVID-19 crisis, Spain knew his company had to be involved and was grateful for the opportunity to serve.

The http://www.FirstResponderChildcare.org is now live to provide first responders and healthcare workers access to daily childcare.

"During this unprecedented time in our nation, it's important we care for the people who are taking care of us," explained Mark Spain. "First responders and healthcare workers are fighting so hard to keep everyone safe. They should not have to worry about who will take care of their children while doing this life-saving work."

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta partnered with area hospitals, Governor's office and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning to safely transition YMCA branch locations to deliver this childcare. Each center can serve 140 children, ages 0-12 depending on  facility, and is open extended hours, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The YMCA implemented strict safety standards at each location to check for symptoms and monitor temperatures of all participants.

"The Y has been a vital part of the Atlanta community for more than 160 years, and the services we provide are bridges to safety and security for our entire community, especially during this time of crisis. We are grateful for the support of our members, donors, partners and community leaders, like Mark Spain, that join us in this effort," explained YMCA of Metro Atlanta President and CEO Lauren Koontz.

With a cost of $40/day per child, funds are needed to help defray the program's costs. Mark Spain Real Estate is fundraising to provide childcare for over 1,000 children. This will, in turn, help local hospitals stay fully staffed in their efforts to protect and care for our communities.

"These parents are heroes in our community who deserve our help," said Mark Spain.

To register children for the program, visit www.ymcaatlanta.org/firstresponders. There are currently seven YMCA childcare sites in metro Atlanta with five bus pickup sites.

To donate for these community heroes, visit www.FirstResponderChildcare.org.