KOSCIUSKO — In response to yesterday’s fire at Lakeland Learning Center in Syracuse, United Way of Kosciusko County is rallying efforts to get the supplies needed to reopen the center on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

On Thursday, Aug. 31, a fire broke out at Lakeland Learning Center. Thanks to the disciplined response of the trained staff members, all of the children were evacuated safely. No one was harmed. The building damage is significant.

Wawasee Schools has offered to let the center use the old Syracuse Elementary School. The center intends to open for business on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Working parents are counting on the child care program to provide quality care of their children so they can get back to work.

Fire damage is still being assessed, but help can’t wait. Most of the daily items were ruined by smoke, fire or water. United Way has issued a call to action to get necessary items to the center so they can reopen.

Please help by buying some of the items listed above and drop them off at the United Way offices, 119 E. Center St., Warsaw before 5 p.m. today, Sept. 1. United Way will deliver all items to the center by the end of the day.

If you can’t buy items, community members may write a check to “Lakeland Learning Center” and deliver it to the address above.

Follow United Way of Kosciusko County on Facebooked for updated. For questions, call (574) 269-2592.