CHUBBUCK — Two local moms have been working tirelessly for months in an effort to bring a children’s museum to Chubbuck.

Co-executive directors Melody Daniels and Natali McKee have checked many of the building blocks for the museum off the list such as a name for the museum, receiving a land donation, acquiring a board of directors and creating a business plan.

However, there is still a lot that needs to be accomplished and it is going to take help from the community to keep the ball rolling.

“As a whole community, we have the opportunity to create something together,” McKee said. “How amazing is it for the community to be part of something that will last for generations?”

My World Discovery Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the local community with hands-on learning opportunities for children of all ages and all abilities.

The mission of the museum is to awaken children’s natural curiosity about the world through interactive exhibits, opportunities and programs.

The ultimate goal is to build and design a 30,000-square-foot building in Chubbuck that will feature STEM based interactive exhibits, after school programs, and even a preschool.

The museum also hopes to offer the community the opportunity to host birthday parties and field trips at the museum as well as therapy hours for children with learning disabilities.

Because the major project is not anticipated to be complete for three to five years, in the meantime, Daniels and McKee are in a search of a smaller building to use temporarily.

According to Daniels, if a smaller building is found, it could take less than a year to get up and running.

The inspiration for the museum comes from Daniels and McKee’s love for their children. Both are moms of six kids and both have a desire to offer not only their children but children of all ages in the community the opportunity to engage in interactive activities that will be offered at the museum.

“This community has given my family so much that I want to give something back to them,” said Daniels. “But I never really knew how until now.”

At this point in the process, the most vital need is funding.

Fundraising efforts are happening year-round through restaurant fundraisers and events, but the community’s help is what will make the most difference.

Local businesses and generous individuals who are interested in donating toward the building of the facility can become sponsors or investors of the museum.

Smaller donations can also be made by businesses or local families by sponsoring an exhibit.

Monetary and in-kind donations are equally as helpful.

A Community Kick-off will be held on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at Connor Academy located at 1295 Alpine Ave in Chubbuck.

At the kick-off members of the community will be able to hear more about the plans for the museum, offer ideas, share their input and opinions, and learn how they can get involved and donate.

The next fundraiser for the museum is set for Jan. 25 and 26. The event will be A Day at Hogwarts at the Liberty Hall in Pocatello.

Tickets are buy in advance only, making for a great Christmas present. You can buy your tickets at myworlddiscovery.org.

To learn more about the museum, donate or volunteer, you can call Daniels at 208-410-9873 or email her at melody.daniels@myworlddiscovery.org. You can also visit My World Discovery Museum on Facebook or myworlddiscovery.org.