Hickory – This year, Catawba County Partnership for Children is looking to do something extra special in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3rd-7th). There are 600 early educators in Catawba County who have consistently worked hard to care for our young children from birth to age four, even during the COVID lockdown. They are truly essential to our community and we are excited to celebrate them after a very challenging year.Catawba County Partnership For Children

We’re seeking donations to put together gift bags for each early educator filled with local businesses’ branded items, gift cards, coupons, snacks/treats, etc. Below is an extensive list of items we are seeking, but please don’t feel limited by our creativity. If you have other ideas, reach out! If you’d like to donate an item that does not feature your brand, we’ll make sure you’re recognized within the packet for your donation. If you’d like to donate a gift card or coupon for your business, it will be placed inside a standard 8.5 x 11” two-pocket folder. We recommend including a flyer or brochure, up to a full page in size, with a thank you note to the early educators, as well as any additional information about your company you’d like to share.

– Covid-19 related items: antibacterial wet wipes, face masks, ear straps (for masks), wash bags (for masks), touchless tools

– Spa/Wellness: back/scalp scratcher/massager/roller, bar soap, bath bombs/salts, blanket, body oil/wash/lotion, candle, essential oils, eye/sleep mask, face roller, lip balm/mask, hand soap/lotion, hair towel, hot/cold packs, neck pillow, robe, sheet mask, socks, stress ball, sunscreen

– Travel: blanket, compact mirror, flashlight, glass nail file, hair brush, hand warmer, LED light keychain, lint brush, makeup/pencil case, mints/gum, multi-tool, pill case, screen/glasses cleaner, stain remover, tissue packs

– Other: adult coloring book & colored pencils, bookmark, candy/chocolate/snacks, fitness belt, grow kit, journal, lottery tickets, motivational stickers/magnets, stress ball

– Kitchen: apron, bottle/wine opener, can coolers/coozies, clips, coasters, coffee/travel/water mugs/bottles/tumblers, glass/stainless steel straws, kitchen conversions magnet, lunch box, oven mit, pint glass, pot holder

– Tech: cable tie/holder, charging cables, ear buds, flash drive, mouse pads, phone grips/stands/wallets/, pop sockets, power banks, ring light, web cam cover

– Office: calendar, erasers, highlighters, lanyards, letter opener, markers, pencil sharpener, pencils, pens, ruler, scissors

We’re asking for all donations by Friday, April 30th at 5pm. They may be dropped off at 738 4th St SW in Hickory during regular business hours (M-F 8am-5pm) or, if more convenient, we can arrange pickup. In order to avoid duplication, please reach out before ordering any items to confirm the item has not already been donated. For more information, please call 828-695-6505. Thank you for your consideration.