Due to a generous $5,000 grant from the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District,the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler andVolusia Counties has been busy installing eight Buddy Benches throughout Volusia County.

A buddy bench, the brilliant idea of a Pennsylvanian second-grader in 2013, are benches where a child, or adult, who is feeling lonely, upset or in need of company may sit to let others know that the need help in some way, or just a friend. They are typically located in elementary schools, childcare center playgrounds or a community area.

The locations that have received Buddy Benches as part of this grant are Derbyshire Place Community Center, Holly Hill School, Annette’s Tender Loving Daycare (pictured), Imagination Station Too, Champions Academy, Treehouse Learning Center, Sugar Mill Elementary and Sunrise Park.

The Early Learning Coalition works to enhance children’s school readiness by providing opportunities for quality early learning, while strengthening family stability for a healthy community. For more information about the community services offered by the Early Learning Coalition, visit: ELCFV.org