The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center celebrated the spirit of giving on December 20 during our annual Christmas Outreach event, delivering joy and holiday magic to 972 children in the Harlem Heights community. With support from generous businesses, organizations, and volunteers, families received gifts for children from infancy through age 17.
Parents were able to personally select gifts for their children, ensuring a meaningful and surprise-filled Christmas morning. Children enjoyed festive activities throughout the day, including crafts, milk and cookies, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
The holiday season is particularly challenging for many families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The poverty rate for children in our community is more than twice the county average. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our neighbors and partners, who came together to brighten the holidays for these families.
Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands served as the event sponsor and collected toys to support the effort.
This year’s Christmas Outreach was made possible through the dedication of 83 volunteers and the generosity of local businesses and organizations, including:
- Avalon Bay
- CLA advisors (CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP)
- Crestwell School
- Crown Colony
- Cypress Cove at Health Park
- Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands
- Golfview Golf and Racquet Club
- Hurricane Tina’s
- Jason’s Deli
- Jennifer’s Boutique
- Lexington Country Club
- MarineMax of Fort Myers
- Mastique Condominiums
- Point Ybel Brewing
- Publix-Gladiolus Drive
- ReMax Realty Group
- Sanibel Bible Church
- Scookie Dough
- Scotlynn Group
- Shell Point Community
- Shoreline Lumbar
- Spada Salon and Day Spa
- Spivey Law Firm
- Target
- Westminster Presbyterian Church
- Women With Spirit
- Zion Lutheran Church
Thank You for Making the Season Bright
As we reflect on this special day, our hearts are full of gratitude. To every volunteer who gave their time, every business and organization that donated, and every neighbor who supported this effort—thank you. Your generosity ensured that 972 children in the Harlem Heights community experienced the joy, dignity, and magic of Christmas.
Because of you, families felt supported, children felt celebrated, and hope shined brightly during a season that can be especially challenging for so many.
This event was a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.
From all of us at The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us build strong, self-sufficient families—during the holidays and throughout the year.
