The Heights Center is seeking organizations and individuals to participate in the annual Harlem Heights Community Gift Drive. Individuals, businesses and philanthropic groups are asked to donate new, unwrapped gifts for local children. Gifts are needed for more than 800 children, from birth to 17 years of age.
Suggested donations are gifts under $25 including Legos, dolls, art sets, footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, remote control cars, tea sets, action figures, board games, coloring books, and crayons. Personal items are needed including pajamas, jewelry, body lotion, spray, soaps, hair accessories, and wristwatches. Donations of gift cards from Target, Kmart or Walmart are appreciated. Monetary donations can be made at www.heightsfoundation.org/donate.
The gifts will be distributed on Saturday, December 15 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at The Heights Center. Each child will visit Santa, have cookies with hot chocolate and make Christmas crafts, while their parents choose gifts for their children, keeping the surprise in Christmas for our kids.
“This holiday season will again be challenging for many families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of the 
Heights Foundation. “This is a great opportunity to bring joy to the children of our community. We are thankful for the generous support of our neighbors.”
Volunteers are also needed to assist with event set up and at the event.
Organizations and individuals interested in participating can contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or melissa@heightsfoundation.org. All donations are tax deductible. Monetary donations can be made on the web at www.heightsfoundation.org.
Thank you to the businesses and organizations that are collecting gifts for our kids including:
Cypress Cove
Florida Cancer Specialists
Jason’s Deli
Peace Lutheran Church
Publix
Re/Max Realty Group (Colleen and Michael Frye)
Rotary Club of Fort Myers South
Scotlynn Group
Westminster Presbyterian
