Peanut House closes after 47 years of childcare

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Bowling Green’s Peanut House will be closing after 47 years of childcare, from circumstances related to the pandemic. 

Now that parents are working from home, there is less need for childcare.

Since 1979, generations of families had been sending their children to the Peanut House. At one point there was even a waitlist for their kindergarten program. 

Tuesday they were packing up the remainder of belongings to sell to other childcare centers. It’s a bittersweet day for founder Judy Helm, who’s father built her the building. 

“He always told me he would always sell everything out from under us if he could get a good deal. So I have to adjust and sell. He passed away about 12 years ago, so I’m having to adjust to that. I’ve cried many, many, many tears. Wednesday was really hard, the last day. And it’s been hard coming back trying to get everything together,” said Helm. 

Helm said they usually had around 40 to 50 children until COVID-19 hit, and when they reopened they only had around 10 children.