WASHINGTON — A gas explosion demolished a convenience store in Southeast D.C. on Jan. 18, badly damaging the child care center next door. All the children, between the ages of 2 months and 4 years, and their caretakers were safely evacuated just minutes before the explosion.
The owner of Baby Einstein Child Development Center on Marion Barry Avenue Southeast is working to reopen its doors and support families. Regina Snead, the owner, has been running the business for 10 years.
Snead said she was inside with 16 children and staff when they smelled gas and immediately started getting out of the building. It's a decision first responders say saved lives.
To aid with the reopening process, the community is lending a helping hand. Agua 301, a Mexican cuisine restaurant located at 301 Water Street Southeast, is working to help restore what was lost for the company with food.
On Monday, Feb. 5, the restaurant will be donating 25% of every check to help them rebuild their center.
"It's wonderful to know that people understand the importance of early childhood education," Snead said. "Our children need a great foundation in order to succeed in life, so to see the community and Steve at Agua 301 allowed us to use his restaurant to get some funding is really awesome."
If you couldn't make it, it but want to donate, you can contribute through their GoFundMe page. They have a goal of $250,000, as of Feb. 5 they have reached $65,441. Click here for details.
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