Everybody’s business

Do it for the children
A 30-year-old nonprofit child care center is holding its annual fund-raiser, and since I had never heard of Chico Community Children’s Center, I figured it could use some press.

The nonprofit, a United Way agency, started in Chico in 1974 and cares for about 90 children ages 6 months to 10 years who are from low-income families. It gets money from the California Department of Education, the city of Chico and a government food program. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t cover all our costs,” said Sue McGuire, who directs the two centers on Elm Street and Eaton Road.

The fund-raiser is taking place Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Sierra Nevada Big Room. The band Mossy Creek will be featured, along with magician Wayne Houchin and a silent art auction.

For tickets ($35), call the center at 891-5363 or visit Terrace Pharmacy, Café Flo or Creative Apple.

“This year, we’re trying to raise about $10,000,” McGuire said. The money will be used to enhance the center’s parents’ program, cover additional costs of the nutrition program and expand the garden and add a farmer’s market for center families and neighbors.

Answer that phone
Also seeking funds this month is Chico State University’s College of Business.

The campaign, C.A.T.S. (Caring About Today’s Students), involves students contacting alumni within their major. Between Feb. 8 and 20, they plan to call more than 5,000 business grads in this, the second year of the fund-raiser.

“This campaign allows the alumni to have a personal conversation with a current student within their option,” said Laura Arkoosh, a member of the college’s marketing team.

Last year, the effort brought in $33,000—money that helped the college add the Academy for International Business and the Center for Entrepreneurship.

No it’s not
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that a home health care business in Butte County is for sale.

After contributing to a minor stir, I thought it important to point out that there are 19 such agencies in Butte County, both large and small, including franchises and hospital-based services.

Robert Love, director of communication for Butte Home Health & Hospice, kindly asked that I point out it is not the one for sale.

“Butte Home Health has never been busier and our outcome scores have never been higher,” he said. “Our management is completely dedicated to serving the home health care needs of our area, and we re not going anywhere.”

Max sacked
One thing I’m sure of: The Chico OfficeMax is closing.

That’s the one next to Home Depot, on Notre Dame Boulevard. The closure is one of 110 nationwide announced Jan. 26. The company is reportedly trailing Staples and Office Depot.

The Chico store’s last day is March 4, and the company is offering the nearly 20 employees jobs at other stores or at its Illinois headquarters.

The closures are “part of efforts to strengthen company performance and better serve customers,” stated a company press release.