World War I had just begun when factories making bandages and ammunition opened in Boulder. For the first time, women joined the work force in large numbers, but there was a major problem.

"There were no child care facilities at all, so a group of women volunteered to take care of the workers' children," said Steve Callander, executive director since 1998 of the Boulder Day Nursery, which grew out of that effort.

In this interview, Callander talks about the challenges facing the downtown Boulder facility, which has applied for a Season to Share grant.

Who benefits from the services you provide?

Our clients are low-income working families, especially in the service industry, and many are single parents. They don't have access or can't afford child care. They may be struggling, but if they know their child is being cared for, they can focus on the job. Parents pay on a sliding scale ranging from $200 to $1,300 a month, but many pay nothing. Last year, we provided more than $430,000 in tuition waivers and scholarships.

How has the economy affected the organization?

It's been a perfect storm, really, with so many people negatively impacted by the economy. A lot of workers have had their hours cut and need more help. At the same time, people are fearful and tending not to write those contribution checks. On top of it, contributions always go down in presidential campaign years.

Tell us about one family that has benefited from your services.

We had a single dad whose wife had passed away. He was trying to make a go of it in Boulder with two boys - one 5-year-old and one 3-year-old - on a teacher's salary. The older boy had a degenerative vision problem and was legally blind. We got him help and screenings and intervened successfully, and he is enrolled in school. The father found a position at CU and was able to turn things around.

What are your organization's biggest needs?

The greatest challenge is recruiting and retaining teachers and paying a livable wage. Most of our staff have degrees and could work in the school system and make a lot more. But they are devoted to early childhood education.

What about the future?

We have consistently had a waiting list of 300 to 400 families each year. We're looking to eventually open a second nursery in southeastern Boulder County in Lafayette, where there is a great need for child care.

How to donate

* Post-News Season to Share, a McCormick Foundation Fund, gave more than $2.1 million last year to 65 agencies serving disadvantaged children, as well as people who are hungry, homeless or in need of medical care.

Donations are matched at 50 cents for each dollar, and 100 percent of all donations, plus the match, goes directly to local nonprofit agencies. * To donate: Call 1-800-518-3972 or go to seasonto share.com.

Boulder Day Nursery Association

* Mission: To provide child care and early learning programs for low-income families in Boulder County

* Year founded: 1917

* People helped or number of services provided: 130 children

* Number of staff: Equivalent of 18 full-time employees

* Number of volunteers: 50 to 75 * Budget: $800,000

* Web site: boulderday nursery.org