01/28/2026
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Pike County Advances Kindergarten Readiness Through New Bedtime in a Box Program
United Way launched its new Bedtime in a Box program and Foundations of Learning initiative in November, with collaboration from four local preschools.
(PETERSBURG, In., January 28, 2026) – With the distribution of Bedtime in a Box, an engaging kit designed to help preschoolers and their families establish healthy bedtime habits and prepare children for kindergarten, United Way of Pike County launched its new Foundations of Learning initiative. On November 13, more than 70 specialty boxes were distributed to preschool children at four Petersburg locations: Cradles & Crayons Childcare & Preschool, Kid City USA-Petersburg, First UM Learn & Grow Childcare Ministry, and Tri-Cap Head Start-Petersburg.
Through a combination of direct programs, community investment, and advocacy, United Way’s Foundations of Learning initiative will ensure every child in Pike County can get off to the right start, be ready to learn, and develop their full potential.
“Research shows the importance of structure in a child’s day,” said Krista Robinette, Executive Director of United Way of Pike County.
“Establishing consistent routines across caregivers helps children feel safe, predict what comes next, and build the social and emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. During our Bedtime in a Box distribution, it was wonderful to see what children were most excited about. Sometimes it was the simplest things, like pajamas or an alarm clock.”
Bedtime in a Box strengthens five key stages of the bedtime routine: taking a bath, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading stories, and saying goodnight. Each box includes bath wash, a towel, foam letters, pajamas, a toothbrush and toothpaste, four age-appropriate board books, a stuffed animal, an alarm clock, and a reusable bedtime routine log. Caregivers also receive an educational kit with activities that reinforce kindergarten readiness skills like letter, number, and shape recognition.
“Children arrive at school ready to learn when families establish consistent bedtime routines; they are rested, secure, and supported,” said Molly Wuchner, Tri Cap Head Start Preschool Director. “Our parents and children were excited to receive Bedtime in a Box and begin using it right away. The materials included in the box will strengthen our curriculum by extending learning into the home.”
“The children want to use everything in the box they received, including pajamas, toys, and books. This means parents are more likely to read aloud to their children. I’ve been stressing the importance of reading with children for 27 years, but it can often be a challenge for busy parents. This unique and needed program is truly a win-win,” added Maria Manges, owner and teacher at Cradles & Crayons Childcare & Preschool.
Whether families are balancing evening work schedules, extracurricular activities, or multiple households, Bedtime in a Box provides a simple, consistent structure at the end of the day that encourages sleep, early language development, and emotional security.
Funding for the Bedtime in a Box program in 2025 came from Indiana United Ways, the statewide membership association for United Ways serving Indiana communities. United Way of Pike County leveraged local generosity to secure a matching grant from the association. The grant funds the first year of the Bedtime in a Box program and supports the long-term success of the Foundations of Learning initiative. United Way of Pike County hopes to expand the Bedtime in a Box program to three additional preschools during 2026. Each box is valued at $100.
Invenergy has made a commitment as the program’s first sponsor for 2026, with a contribution of $1,500. “Invenergy is proud to sponsor the second year of the Bedtime in a Box initiative. Programs like these make a positive impact on Pike County’s youth, and we encourage other companies and organizations to join us in supporting United Way’s programs in 2026,” Abby Lerner, Community Engagement Associate at Invenergy.
If you’d like to learn more about Bedtime in a Box, sponsor the program in 2026, or discuss other efforts under the Foundations of Learning initiative, contact Krista Robinette at 812-582-9781.
About United Way of Pike County
Part of the global United Way network, United Way of Pike County is an independent 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that has served Pike County since 1999. United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive, and it achieves this through a combination of direct programs, community investments, its Day of Caring, and advocacy efforts that advance youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency in Pike County.
For more information about United Way of Pike County, visit uwpike.org or call 812-582-9781.
Media Contact
Krista Robinette
Executive Director
United Way of Pike County
812-582-9781
[email protected]
# # #
