The Children’s Center in Albert Lea has come up with a unique fundraiser to help replace their roof — they’re selling shingles.

“We’re selling shingles for $25 and displaying them in the hallway,” Kim Nelson said.

Nelson is the executive director at The Children’s Center. She hopes the community wants to get involved to help the nonprofit childcare center. Nelson said the center is partnering with Shinefest to replace the roof, which means all the labor will be volunteered. That means the cost of the project is around $30,000 — just for supplies.

“We’ve even gotten donations to have food and water for the volunteers from local businesses,” Nelson said.

The roof is set to be replaced on Aug. 13, but if there’s inclement weather it may be replaced on Aug. 20. Nelson said they’re still looking for experienced roofing volunteers to help, and they’re hoping more shingles are bought.

Nelson sent out letters to many local businesses detailing sponsorship opportunities. She said if any business wasn’t contacted to call her if they’d like to donate. Corporate sponsorship levels include bronze level which is $26 to $100, silver level which is $101 to $500, and gold level which is anything more than $501. Gold level sponsors will receive a plaque, and all corporate sponsors will be listed at The Children’s Center.

“It’s really been a community effort,” Nelson said.

She’s visited service clubs to ask for help and has set up a fundraiser with Nelson’s Market Place. On July 16 and July 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Children’s Center will work at a hot dog stand in the Nelson’s Market Place parking lot.

“There is a potential for grants, but we’re hoping the community will help too,” Nelson said.

The roof is currently about 20 years old, and there has been some water damage and soffit issues recently.