MARCH 2014

The Science Factory Children’s Museum & Exploration Dome will host a Cavalcade of Crawling Creatures on Sat., March 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2300 Leo Harris Parkway in Eugene. Kids will have a chance to meet turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs and salamanders from around the world, along with their expert owners from the Oregon Herpetological Society. Kids can ask questions and get tips on how to care for their own cold-blooded pets  at home. The cost is $3-$4. For more information, call 541-682-7895.

 

Created for kids and their parents too! On March 1, have fun with Emily Fox as she plays lively banjo tunes during Family Music Time at 10:15 a.m. at the Eugene Public Library, located at 100 W. 10th Ave.

 

Kids and families are invited to the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a creative reuse project. From magnetic puzzles to robot rockets to sock creatures, there’s always a fun, all-ages craft project for kids and families each Saturday. No need to preregister, just drop in any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All materials are included for each workshop. A $3 to $5 sliding scale donation is requested per child. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. MECCA is located at 449 Willamette St. in Eugene.

 

Nearby Nature will host a Treefrog Tunes Nature Quest on Sat., March 1 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Amazon Park, 680 E. 24th Ave. in Eugene. Meet at the Amazon Park playground and go on a treefrog tunes walk. Learn all about (and listen for) Pacific treefrogs with Ecologists Peg Boulay and Bruce Newhouse. The cost is free for Nearby Nature members, $2 per person or $5 per family. Preregistration is required. Call 541-687-9699 to register.

 

Kids can help the Children’s Miracle Network and run in a 1K or 5K course on Sun., March 2 at noon at Alton Baker Park, located at 100 Day Island Rd. in Eugene . The unique 5K course is a hybrid that incorporates portions of the Ruth Bascom paved bike paths and Pre’s Trail bark chip trail along the scenic Willamette river. The 1K kids fun run is free and the 5K run is $20-$25. Awards will be presented top three male and female finisher in each age group. All participants are eligible for random prize drawings, but you must be present to win the prizes. For more information, visit 2014 Kids Running for Kids.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 6 of its Behavior Training for parents of children of preschool age children with challenging behavior on Mon., March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building at the University of Oregon, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. This is an 8-week training to help parents learn effective behavior support strategies. The spring behavior training will start on April 14. Call 541-346-2578 to sign up for the 8-week training.

 

Chili’s Bar & Grill will host a Daddy and Daughter Date Night on Tues., March 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 281 Valley River Center. There will be crowns and tiaras for little girls to create and decorate. A picture will be taken, then printed and framed as a take home memory from this special night. Reservations accepted; call 541-683-9100 to make a reservation.

 

The Bethel School District will host a meeting for Early Childhood CARES families who have a child transitioning to kindergarten in the fall. The meeting will be held on Tues., March 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Willamette High School, which is located at 1801 Echo Hollow Road in Eugene.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 2 of its Spanish Behavior Workshop on Tues., March 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. This is a 4-week workshop for Spanish-speaking parents to learn effective behavior strategies to support their preschool-age children with challenging behaviors. At the end of this 4-week workshop, a gift card will be given to one lucky attendee who attended all four classes.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host a 2-part Potty Training Workshop on Wed., March 5 and Wed., March 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. Come learn the signs for potty training readiness and strategies to help your child master this all-important life skill. At the end of this 2-part workshop, a gift card will be given to one lucky attendee who has attended both classes! Free childcare will be provided for qualified children and their siblings on site. Preregistration is required. Parents need to register for the workshop even if childcare is not needed. To register, please call 541-346-2578 by Mon., March. 3. Please note, the workshop will be cancelled if fewer than five parents register.

 

Come learn strategies to help children who experience an autism spectrum meet their sensory needs. This class will be held on Thurs., March 6 in rooms 201 B & C of the Clinical Services Building on the University of Oregon campus, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. The class will be held at two different times: 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Since this class will be held during the day, please allow extra time for parking. Metered parking is available on 18th Ave., or free, 2-hour parking is available on side streets. Families with children enrolled in A Child’s Garden will attend this training while their child is in class. Additional childcare is not available. To register, please contact your Early Childhood CARES autism consultant by Mon., March 3.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 9 of its Florence Behavior Management Training on Thurs., March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Early Childhood CARES classroom in Florence, located in the southwest corner of the middle school parking lot at 2325 Oak St. This is a 10-week training to help parents learn effective behavior support strategies to help their preschool-age children with challenging behaviors. For more information, contact Bobbie Spencer at 541-997-1513.

 

Bridgeway House will host a Parent Support   Meeting on Thurs., March 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 385 Oakway Rd. in Eugene. The support group is for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Childcare is available, but parents must call in advance. Please call 541-345-0805 to make childcare arrangements. All parents and guardians are invited to attend.

 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon offers free admission to the museum the first Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come enjoy the museum’s new exhibits at 1430 Johnson Lane in Eugene.

 

The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities will host Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at the Oregon State Capitol on Fri., March 7 at 1 p.m. The celebration will feature guest speakers, the unveiling of the new awareness poster and DD Champion Award Winner presentations. Visit the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities for future announcements about the event.

 

The Oregon Family Support Network hosts a monthly Respite Night parents and caregivers of children and youth with emotional,  behavioral, mental and/or physical challenges and special needs. This month’s Respite Night will take place on Fri., March 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. Free dinner will be provided. Space is limited and preregistration is required. To RSVP, call 541-342-2876.

 

The City of Eugene will host the First Friday Family Fun Night on March 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Petersen Barn Community Center, located at 870 Berntzen Rd. in Eugene. Dinner will be served until 6:30 pm. There will also be games, crafts and live entertainment. This is a free drop-in program; no registration is required.

 

Bridgeway House will host a Kids Movie Night on Fri., March 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for kids ages 4 to 12 years at Wesley United Methodist
Church, which is located at 1385 Oakway Road in Eugene. A G- or PG-rated movie will be shown. Call Bridgeway House at 541-345-0805 to find out this month’s featured film. Popcorn will be provided. The cost is $3 per child.

 

Join the Moombah gang for another Magical Moombah! Tina’s Latina Cantina on Sat., March 8 at the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, located at   868 High St. in Eugene. The Magical Moombah! is a musical vaudeville for kids. There will be two performances: 10 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. The event admission fee is $5. To learn more, visit The Magical Moombah 2013-14.

 

Created for kids and their parents too! On March 8, join singer/songwriter Rob Tobias in playing classics, originals and tunes made up on the spot during Family Music Time at 10:15 a.m. at the Eugene Public Library, located at 100 W. 10th Ave.

 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art will host an ArtAccess Workshop for Children with Special Needs on Sat., March 8 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This is a free, drop-in art class for K-12 children with developmental, emotional and physical disabilities. The class will be taught by occupational therapists and artists. Reservations are requested. Email Nori Rice or call 541-346-6443 to register. Visit Classes for Children for more information.

 

Kids and families are invited to the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a creative reuse project. From magnetic puzzles to robot rockets to sock creatures, there’s always a fun, all-ages craft project for kids and families each Saturday. No need to preregister, just drop in any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All materials are included for each workshop. A $3 to $5 sliding scale donation is requested per child. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. MECCA is located at 449 Willamette St. in Eugene.

 

Visit the Portland Children’s Museum for a free night of play on Sat., March 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The museum is located at 4015 SW Canyon Rd. in Portland. The Autism Society of Oregon will host the event. Preregistration is required to attend. In an effort to make the evening comfortable for all families, the number of guests will be limited. To register, visit Friends and Family Access Night at the Museum or call Alex Roth at 503-471-9914. Future Friends and Family Access Nights will be held May 3 and Aug. 2.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 7 of its Behavior Training for parents of children of preschool age children with challenging behavior on Mon., March 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building at the University of Oregon, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. This is an 8-week training to help parents learn effective behavior support strategies. The spring behavior training will start on April 14. Call 541-346-2578 to sign up for the 8-week training.

 

Families Connected will host a training called Successful Navigation of the Special Education System on Mon., March 10 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 4181 E St. in Springfield. The training will teach parents how to create a master plan, which will help them anticipate obstacles and prepare for the future. The training will also show parents how to create a simple document management system that will help them organize essential documents. Limited childcare will be available on site. To register for the training and arrange your childcare needs, please email Neva Donaldson.

 

Come join a group of parents and share in the joys and emotional struggles of parenting a child with special needs. This is a great group for parents looking to connect with other parents. The bimonthly Early Childhood CARES Parent Support Group will meet on Tues., March 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in room 201A of the Clinical Services Building, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. Childcare will be provided for qualified children and their siblings. Preregistration is required. Parents need to register for the meeting even if childcare is not needed. To register, please call 541-346-2578 by Fri., March 7. Please note, the support group will be cancelled if fewer than five parents register.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 3 of its Spanish Behavior Workshop on Tues., March 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. This is a 4-week workshop for Spanish-speaking parents to learn effective behavior strategies to support their preschool-age children with challenging behaviors. At the end of this 4-week workshop, a gift card will be given to one lucky attendee who attended all four classes.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 2 of its Potty Training Workshop on Wed., March 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. Come learn the signs for potty training readiness and strategies to help your child master this all-important life skill. At the end of this 2-part workshop, a gift card will be given to one lucky attendee who has attended both classes! Free childcare will be provided for qualified children and their siblings on site. Preregistration is required. Parents need to register for the workshop even if childcare is not needed. To register, please call 541-346-2578 by Mon., March. 10. Please note, the workshop will be cancelled if fewer than five parents register.

 

Come learn toilet training strategies to help children who experience an autism spectrum disorder learn this important life skill. This class will be held on Thurs., March 13 in rooms 201 B & C of the Clinical Services Building on the University of Oregon campus, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. The class will be held at two different times: 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Since this class will be held during the day, please allow extra time for parking. Metered parking is available on 18th Ave., or free, 2-hour parking is available on side streets. Families with children enrolled in A Child’s Garden will attend this training while their child is in class. Additional childcare is not available. To register, please contact your Early Childhood CARES autism consultant by Mon., March 10.

 

Valley River Center hosts a monthly Kids Club the second Thursday of every month. The Kids Club will meet on March 13 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 293 Valley River Center in Eugene. This month’s meeting will focus on castles. Kids Club is free and is geared for children ages 4 to 10.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host the last class of its 10-week Florence Behavior Management Training on Thurs., March 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Early Childhood CARES classroom in Florence, located in the southwest corner of the middle school parking lot at 2325 Oak St. This training helps parents learn effective behavior support strategies to help their preschool-age children with challenging behaviors. For more information, contact Bobbie Spencer at 541-997-1513.

 

The Springfield School District will host a meeting for Early Childhood CARES families who have a child transitioning to kindergarten in the fall. The meeting will be held on Thurs., March 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Brattain Early Learning Center, located at 425 N. 10th St. in Springfield. Childcare will be provided. Parents must call 541-346-2578 to register for childcare by Mon., March 10.

 

The Oregon Family Support Network provides Daytime Support the second Friday of every month for families with children who experience emotional, behavioral, mental and/or physical special needs. Daytime Support will be provided on Fri., March 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in suite 150 at 72A Centennial Loop in Eugene. A light snack will be provided. Preregistration is required. To RSVP, call 541-342-2876.

 

Parents and preschool-age children are invited to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History (MNCH) at the University of Oregon on Fri., March 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for stories and hands-on fun, including crafts, songs, games and museum exploration. Little Wonders is hosted the second Friday of every month at MNCH, located at 1680 East 15th Ave. in Eugene. A new theme and new activities will be presented each month. Little Wonders is free for MNCH members and $5 for non-members.

 

The A Team Justice League will host a Family Movie Night on Fri., March 14 at 6:30 p.m. at 4181 E St. in Springfield. There will be a movie shown to families with children ages 5 to 12 years and another movie shown for families with children 12 years and older. Families are encouraged to bring pillows, blankets and snacks.

 

Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat will be brought to life by Eugene’s Parent-Child Preschool in four live theater performances. The performances will run at 10 a.m, 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, located at 1376 Olive St. in Eugene. There will also be a silent auction, games, refreshments and an open house. The cost is $4 to $15. For more information, call 541-984-5531.

 

Created for kids and their parents too! On March 15 at 10:15 a.m., Pia and Jason Robbins of Little Timbre Studio will lead creative, engaging activities to support the development of the whole child during Family Music Time at the Eugene Public Library, located at 100 W. 10th Ave.

 

Kids and families are invited to the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  to make a creative reuse project. From magnetic puzzles to robot rockets to sock creatures, there’s always a fun, all-ages craft project for kids and  families each Saturday. No need to preregister, just drop in any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All materials   are included for each workshop. A $3 to $5 sliding scale donation is requested per child. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. MECCA is located at 449 Willamette St. in Eugene.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 8 of its Behavior Training for parents of children of preschool age children with challenging behavior on Mon., March 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building at the University of Oregon, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. This is an 8-week training to help parents learn effective behavior support strategies. The spring behavior training will start on April 14. Call 541-346-2578 to sign up for the 8-week training.

 

Chili’s Bar & Grill will host a Mother and Son Date Night on Tues., March 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 281 Valley River Center. Boys will be given a pirate hat and telescope to decorate. After dinner, your little pirate may choose a complimentary dessert from the menu for you both to share. A picture will be taken, then printed and framed as a take home memory from this special night. Reservations accepted; call 541-683-9100 to make a reservation.

 

A support group for parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder who live in Mapleton or Florence will meet on Tues., March 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Early Childhood CARES classroom in Florence, located in the southwest corner of the middle school parking lot at 2325 Oak St. Childcare is available for children enrolled in Early Childhood CARES’ programs. Parents must register by Wed., March 12. For more information or to register, call Bobbie Spencer at 541-997-1513.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 4 of its Spanish Behavior Workshop on Tues., March 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. This is a 4-week workshop for Spanish-speaking parents to learn effective behavior strategies to support their preschool-age children with challenging behaviors. At the end of this 4-week workshop, a gift card will be given to one lucky attendee who attended all four classes.

 

Discover your child’s strengths and gifts and learn how share these with extended family, your child’s education team and other people who support your child. This is a great class for parents who have a child transitioning to kindergarten in the fall. This training will be held on Tues., March 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in room 201A of the Clinical Services Building at the University of Oregon, 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. Free pizza and childcare will be provided at this event! Preregistration is required. Parents need to register for the workshop even if childcare is not needed. To register, please call 541-346-2578 by Fri., March 14. Please note, the workshop will be cancelled if fewer than five parents register.

 

Bridgeway House will host a Parent Support Meeting on Thurs., March 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 385 Oakway Rd. in Eugene. The support group is for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Childcare is available, but parents must call in advance. Please call 541-345-0805 to make childcare arrangements. All parents and guardians are invited to attend.

 

Discover the fascinating world of insects and other invertebrates at the Bugs and Slugs Bonanza on Fri., March 21 from 5 to 8 p.m at The Science Factory Children’s Museum & Exploration Dome, located at 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy. in Eugene. Kids can see mounted insect specimens, try some bug-themed games and activities, and talk to the experts at Zany Zoo about keeping bugs as pets. Plus, meet Eugene’s own “raining” SLUG Queen, Professor Doctor Midlred Slugwak Dresselhaus! The cost is $2-$5. Call 541-682-7895 for more information.

 

The Cascade Training Co-op will host a training on Providing Respectful Supports to Individuals with Physical and Multiple Disabilities on Fri., March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 4181 E St. in Springfield. Pete Theophanes and Jacque Gerdes will facilitate this training. Pete Theophanes is both a supported individual and staff trainer for Alvord-Taylor Supported Living. Jacque Gerdes is the co-founder of Alternative Work Concepts, a Eugene-based supported employment agency that provides job and travel training assistance to individuals with physical and multiple disabilities. To register, please email Pam Ring or call 541-343-5256.

 

The Oregon Family Support Network hosts a monthly Family Support Meeting the third Friday of every month for families of children and youth who experience mental, emotional, behavioral and/or physical special needs. The Family Support Meeting will take place on Fri., March 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Emerald Park Pool, located at 1400 Lake Dr. in Eugene. Kids can swim for free and a light snack will be provided. Preregistration is required. To RSVP, call 541-342-2876.

 

Visit the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center and learn about the gray whales that migrate past the Oregon coast each year, an awesome sight to behold! The visitor center will be open daily, and admission is free. The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is located at 2400 Hwy 101 in Yachats. Call 541-765-3304 for more information.

 

Created for kids and their parents too! On March 22 at 10:15 a.m., Rich Glauber will delight all ages with interactive music play during Family Music Time at the Eugene Public Library, located at 100 W. 10th Ave.

 

 

Kids and families are invited to the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a creative reuse project. From magnetic puzzles to robot rockets to sock creatures, there’s always a fun, all-ages craft project for kids and families each Saturday. No need to preregister, just drop in any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All materials are included for each workshop. A $3 to $5 sliding scale donation is requested per child. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. MECCA is located at 449 Willamette St. in Eugene.

 

Families Connected will host its monthly Dinner Night on Wed., March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 4181 E St. in Springfield. There will not be a guest speaker at this month’s meeting; rather, the group will have an evening of socializing, dinner and connecting with each other. There will be no onsite childcare, but there will have some helpers available. Please RSVP by emailing Sydney Shook or calling 541-343-5256 ext. 113.

 

The Oregon Family Support Network hosts a monthly Family Fun Night the fourth Friday of every month for families with children who experience mental, emotional, behavioral and/or physical special needs. The Family Fun Night will be held on Fri., March 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Skate World, located at 3188 Gateway Loop in Springfield. Children must be supervised by their parent or caregiver. The cost is $1 for roller skates or $4 for inline skates.

 

Created for kids and their parents too! On March 29 at 10:15 a.m., elementary school teacher Bryan Reed will really make learning rock during Family Music Time at the Eugene Public Library, located at 100 W. 10th Ave.

 

Kids and families are invited to the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a creative reuse project. From magnetic puzzles to robot rockets to sock creatures, there’s always a fun, all-ages craft project for kids and families each Saturday. No need to preregister, just drop in any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All materials are included for each workshop. A $3 to $5 sliding scale donation is requested per child. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. MECCA is located at 449 Willamette St. in Eugene.

 

Families Connected will host a Family Fun Day at the National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics on Sat., March 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 1205 Oak Patch Rd. The gymnastics studio will be open only to families with children with special needs. The cost is $5 per child. The National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics is located at 1205 Oak Patch Rd. in Eugene.

 

There are many changes taking place at Lane County Developmental Disabilities Services with the adoption of the new K Plan. The K Plan gives Oregon the right to use federal funds to increase supports and services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Up to now, services provided by Lane County Developmental Disabilities have been crisis-driven, but with the new K Plan families will have access to more supports and services.

If you are a parent of a child with a medical diagnosis of a developmental disability that originates in the brain (cerebral palsy, autism, genetic disorder, etc.) and/or who has two areas of significant developmental delay, you should contact Lane County Developmental Disabilities at 541-682-3695 and ask to speak with Courtney Boyce to begin the intake process.

If you are a family who already receives services from Lane County Developmental Disabilities, you should contact your assigned case manager and ask to begin the assessment process for the K Plan.

Visit the K Plan Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

 

Families Connected is forming a Spring Break Co-Op to allow families to enjoy a week of fun activities together with other families. This is a low-cost way for families to have fun during the break with exciting activities planned, like swimming, sand play in Florence and a day at the movies. For more information, email Sydney Shook or call 541-343-5256.

 

The Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) and Families Connected will host a Sibshops workshop starting in April. The workshop is designed for brothers and sisters (ages 8-13 years) who have a sibling with a developmental disability. Sibshops follows a set curriculum that allows brothers and sisters to express their feelings and have fun. The group will meet for six consecutive weeks, starting Tues., April 1 and continuing through Tues., May 6. The class will meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Clinical Services Building on the University of Oregon campus, 901 E. 18th Ave., Eugene. Email Sydney Shook or call 541-343-5256 ext. 113 to sign up.

 

Early Childhood CARES is seeking a part-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter to work with a preschool-aged child with disabilities in a classroom setting on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Minimum qualifications include: BA/BS or AA/AS degree from an Interpreter Education Program or related education field, passing score of 3.5 or above on the EIPA Performance Test or hold RID NIC, CI or CT certification and passing score on the EIPA written test. To apply, send resume to Cheryl Henderson.

 

The Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority at the University of Oregon hosted its 2014 Kappa Cup Dodgeball Tournament on Sat., Feb. 15 and raised more than $7K for Early Childhood CARES and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.

“We are so grateful for the young women in the   Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and their efforts to   help Early Childhood CARES serve young children in Lane County with special needs,” said Early Childhood CARES Co-director Val Close. “The donations from Kappa Kappa Gamma will be used to help purchase specialized equipment and toys for our preschool classrooms that help children with developmental delays and disabilities. The sorority has also agreed to help Early Childhood CARES with its annual holiday gift giving program with money raised from its successful dodgeball tournament.”