MONROE - When Hope Evangelical Free Church bought the former Sentry building on Eighth Avenue, the members knew they wanted it to be large enough to benefit the community.
The church was able to help parents Saturday when it opened up for a few hours to offer free childcare.
"We're parents and we know what it's like to go shopping with your kids," Mary Kay Zemlicka said.
About 30 adults volunteered to spend a few hours at the church to make it possible for parents to run errands, shop or just have some free time.
There were about 40 children, from infants to fifth-graders, at the church. They spent time making crafts, eating snacks and a lunch and the older children were able to take part in a Lego contest and also had a chance to get their pictures taken in a Nativity setting.
"This is our gift to the community," volunteer Dolores Le said.
It was the first time the church offered weekend child care and Le said it went so well volunteers want to do it again next year.
While Saturday offered a chance for parents to spend some time away from their children, the church also offers parents a chance to spend time with their kids during the week.
From 10 a.m. until noon Wednesdays and Fridays through April, the church's play area is available for parents and children to spend time together. Parents stay with their children in the play area, which is set up for toddlers as well as older, preschool-aged kids.
There are several places for everyone to play including a play restaurant, post office, grocery, workshop and tool shop and even a beauty salon.
The areas are small enough for the children to enjoy yet large enough to accommodate parents who want to play inside the stores with their children.
"We want them to be able to be together," Le said.
There is no cost to visit the children's' play area, Le added, and refreshments are served.
The church is located at 2902 13th St. More information is available by calling 328-4673.
The church was able to help parents Saturday when it opened up for a few hours to offer free childcare.
"We're parents and we know what it's like to go shopping with your kids," Mary Kay Zemlicka said.
About 30 adults volunteered to spend a few hours at the church to make it possible for parents to run errands, shop or just have some free time.
There were about 40 children, from infants to fifth-graders, at the church. They spent time making crafts, eating snacks and a lunch and the older children were able to take part in a Lego contest and also had a chance to get their pictures taken in a Nativity setting.
"This is our gift to the community," volunteer Dolores Le said.
It was the first time the church offered weekend child care and Le said it went so well volunteers want to do it again next year.
While Saturday offered a chance for parents to spend some time away from their children, the church also offers parents a chance to spend time with their kids during the week.
From 10 a.m. until noon Wednesdays and Fridays through April, the church's play area is available for parents and children to spend time together. Parents stay with their children in the play area, which is set up for toddlers as well as older, preschool-aged kids.
There are several places for everyone to play including a play restaurant, post office, grocery, workshop and tool shop and even a beauty salon.
The areas are small enough for the children to enjoy yet large enough to accommodate parents who want to play inside the stores with their children.
"We want them to be able to be together," Le said.
There is no cost to visit the children's' play area, Le added, and refreshments are served.
The church is located at 2902 13th St. More information is available by calling 328-4673.