Bobbie's Day Care Receives Much Deserved Little Farmer Toy Box

posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Bobbie
“Bobbie has an open-door policy and loves every kid that comes to her,” said Allie, an Iowa Select Farms employee. “She is the go-to person when a family is in need, no questions asked. Bobbie is caring and always willing to take on and help anyone, absolutely anyone. She is truly a lifesaver. I am so excited that Iowa Select is donating such an amazing gift of agriculture toys and learning tools to kids who will gain so much from it.”

Bobbie received a special toy box filled with farming-inspired books, toys and learning materials from the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation. Two Iowa Select Farms employees nominated her day care to be a recipient of our newest Henry’s Heroes initiative–the Little Farmer Toy Box project.

“I do it for the kids, and that is my why. Kids need love and care and someone to help them and teach them, and I love that. I really love being that person for them, and I always will. With this donation, I really look forward to connecting with them and teaching them about agriculture and just how important it is to Iowa.”Bobbie 4

Highlighting people like Bobbie is so important, and we hope sharing her story will help demonstrate the vital role day care plays in Iowa. Many of our employees can attest to the need for the continued support of providers like Bobbie because they’ve seen firsthand the critical service these caretakers provide for Iowa’s workforce.

“Bobbie exemplifies Iowa Select People Care,” said Noel Williams, an Iowa Select Farms employee. “She adapts her schedule to meet the times and needs of our employees. When we have a day care need, we call Bobbie, so it just made sense to nominate her for this program.”

The Henry’s Heroes program was launched in 2019 as an official Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation program. The Little Farmer Toy Box theme is one of Henry’s favorites and was inspired by his great-grandfather, Laurence Hansen, who built his life on his love of farming, especially John Deere tractors. His beloved 1976 John Deere 4430 was a staple in his operation, in fact, it was referred to as the ‘Cadillac of tractors’ in its time. John Deere collector tractors like Laurence’s 1976 John Deere 4430 will be a part of every Little Farmer Toy Box.

“Some may ask, ‘Why day cares?’, and our response is that day cares are absolutely critical for farmers,” said Ali Kraber, a representative of the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation. “Farming and agriculture are not 9 to 5. Pig care is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year, so we really rely on our day care providers for flexibility and understanding to make sure we can do our jobs on our farms. People like Bobbie are the unsung heroes who really make it possible.”
Bobbie 3