Donations vital for Tripp Halstead's family - KMSP-TV

Donations continue to roll in for 2-year-old Tripp Halstead, and his family says those generous contributions are vital because they do not expect to receive any money from the day care facility where he was hurt.  Tripp's family has voiced support for the child care center, but they acknowledge that the center did not have liability insurance.  

Tripp suffered critical head injuries last month when a tree branch fell on him outside the Winder day care center.  He is now undergoing rehabilitation.  

Under Georgia law, the state urges day care providers to carry liability insurance, and mandates notification to parents if the center does not have coverage.  But, the law does not require facilities to have liability insurance.  

The state has concluded that the facility followed the rules, and posted the required notices that it did not carry coverage.

"I think the more important thing is that parents know the situation their child is going into, and in this circumstance, that there is or is not liability insurance at the facility, and then use that to decide this is an appropriate facility for their child," said Bobby Cagle, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.  

Tripp's story has touched people across the country, and countless fundraisers are being held to benefit him. In fact, just this past Tuesday, the Popeye's Chicken in Winder donated 10 percent of their sales to support his recovery.  

Through Facebook posts, Tripp's mom, Stacy, has acknowledged the aid, saying, "So we will not be getting any money from the daycare or any kind of settlement. That is why these donations and fundraisers have touched our hearts so deeply."

She has also said, "It was a freak accident and as I have said in earlier posts, as soon as Tripp is able, he will be right back at the same daycare."

By phone, the owner of the day care center told FOX 5's Paul Yates that she now has liability insurance, but did not carry coverage at the time because it was difficult for a small facility to pay for it.  

Late Thursday in a Facebook post, Tripp's mother said she's encouraged by word that doctors think Tripp is ready for new surgery next month.