I’m reaching out as a parent and community member hoping you can help shine a light on an extraordinary woman who has touched countless lives through her daycare, Precious Cargo Learning Center in Smyrna, TN and who now needs our community’s support.
This daycare isn’t just a childcare center — it’s a place built on love, sacrifice, and pure heart. And the woman behind it, Ms. Erica Sloss, deserves to have her story heard.
A Story Our Community Should Know
My husband and I both work full time at Nissan, and we are parents to three little girls — all under three years old. Six months ago, when our previous caregiver announced she was closing, we were suddenly faced with the terrifying challenge of finding affordable childcare for three under three. Anyone in today’s world knows that is almost impossible. We were quoted rates that were more than another mortgage payment. But I needed childcare to continue my career at Nissan and hold on to the benefits I have worked so hard for. After dozens of calls, emails, waitlists, and heartbreaking “no’s,” I felt defeated. Then I reached out to one last daycare. I emailed Ms. Erica, asking if she might have three openings and what her rates might be. Honestly, I expected the same answer I had heard everywhere else. What happened next changed everything for my family.
The Moment We Met an Angel on Earth
Ms. Erica was the only daycare owner who didn’t see my family as dollar signs or a burden. She didn’t quote me a price. She didn’t turn me away. Instead, she asked me: “What is your budget? I can work with you.” Within 20 minutes of that email, I found myself walking through her daycare doors, meeting a woman who radiated warmth and kindness. I knew instantly — she is an angel on Earth. I left that day with all three girls enrolled, tears in my eyes, overwhelmed by gratitude. She will never truly know what she did for us.
Her Heart Shows in Everything She Does
As I got to know her, I realized her kindness wasn’t a one time gesture — it’s who she is.
• She brings Books on Wheels every month to spark a love of reading.
• She brings in Mr. Jake for monthly music class, filling the daycare with laughter and instruments.
• She hosts pumpkin patch trips in the fall and zoo trips in the summer — all paid by the daycare, not the families.
• She gives every child matching shirts for outings so they feel included and connected.
• And no matter how tired she is, she makes sure the kids have FUN.
My family had known her five minutes before she welcomed us to the pumpkin patch the following weekend and asking the girls t-shirt sizes. That’s the kind of woman she is.
Why I’m Reaching Out
Despite all she gives, Ms. Erica never asks for anything in return — but the daycare needs help. The playground equipment is worn out. Parts of the facility need updates to keep giving these kids the safe, enriching environment she works so hard to maintain.
Now, our community has a chance to give back to Ms. Erica and the children she cares for. The daycare needs new playground equipment and facility updates to create a safer, more inspiring place for all the kids. Ms. Erica has a vision board filled with dreams for the playground, and every dollar raised will help bring that vision to life. Any support or shares are deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping us support a true angel in our community.