Heights Foundation/The Heights Center launches annual Harlem Heights Community Gift Drive
The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is inviting individuals, businesses, and civic groups to brighten the holidays for nearly 900 local children (infants through age 17) through the annual Harlem Heights Community Gift Drive.
Gifts will be provided to parents at The Heights Center on Saturday, December 20, preserving the joy and surprise of Christmas morning for their children.
“The holiday season is challenging for many families in Harlem Heights,” said Kathryn Kelly, President & CEO of The Heights Foundation. “The child poverty rate here is more than twice the county average. This drive is a simple, powerful way to bring joy—and we’re grateful for the generous support of our neighbors.”
What to give (under $25 preferred)
- Kids & all ages: board games, books, Legos, art/coloring sets, action figures, dolls, Disney items, educational toys, remote-control toys, balls (soccer/football/basketball), fishing rods.
- Teens: deodorant, lotion, soap, nail polish, perfume, moisturizer, hair accessories/brushes/clips.
- Clothing (boys & girls, all sizes): pajamas, sweatshirts, socks, underwear.
- Infants & toddlers: clothing and age-appropriate educational toys.
How to give
- Drop-off: The Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908
- Ship directly: Purchase from the Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/cYlANhA
- Gift cards welcomed: Target or Walmart
- Monetary gifts: https://www.heightsfoundation.org/donate (tax-deductible)
Deadline: Please deliver toys by Wednesday, December 17.
Get involved
- Donate or organize a drive: Contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected]
- Volunteer (Dec. 19th set up, and Dec. 20th event day): Contact Olivia Clifton at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected]
Supporting organizations and businesses include Avalon Bay, CLA, Cypress Cove, Hurricane Tina’s, Jennifer’s Boutique, MarineMax, Mastique Condominiums, Point Ybel Brewing, Sanibel Bible Church, Scookie Dough, Scotlynn, Shell Point, Spivey Law Firm, Target, Women with Spirit, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Zion Lutheran Church.
About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.
The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 170 children in AfterSchool and 153 children in SummerCamp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 210 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 78% Hispanic, 16% African-American, and 6% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.