Maria Capellan, known to many as Belkys, has been a pillar of her Bronx community since 2003, running a home daycare that has become a second home for countless children. Her daycare is more than just a place for kids to spend their days—it’s a vibrant, nurturing environment where early learning and personal growth are at the heart of everything she does. Over the years, Maria has built lasting relationships with families, often caring for siblings from the same household and providing flexible, reliable care for parents who have few other options. Her commitment to early literacy, structured learning, and play in a safe, home-based setting has made her daycare a lifeline for families from all walks of life.

Recently, Maria’s daycare suffered a devastating fire. Thankfully, everyone escaped with only minor injuries, but the damage has forced her to close the daycare indefinitely. This sudden loss of income has left Maria facing urgent bills, the cost of repairs, and the challenge of supporting herself and her employees while the daycare is closed. Despite these hardships, Maria’s resilience and dedication to her community remain unwavering. Even during the pandemic, she continued to care for children under the most difficult circumstances, always putting the needs of families first.

Now, Maria needs our help. Any support you can offer will go directly toward helping her recover from this loss, cover essential expenses, and support her as she determines the best path forward for herself and her work. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity during this difficult time. Thank you for standing with Maria and helping her continue serving her community.