The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center celebrated the spirit of giving on December 20 during its 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 a particularly difficult time for many families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation. “The poverty rate for children in our community is more than twice the county average. This event wouldn’t be 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 Raquet 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

·         Rotary Club of Fort Myers South

·         Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva

·         SanCap Power Squadron

·         Sanibel Bible Church

·         Scookie Dough

·         Scotlynn Group

·         Shell Point

·         Shoreline Lumbar

·         Spada Salon and Day Spa

·         Spivey Law Firm

·         Target

·         Westminster Presbyterian Church

·         Women With Spirit

·         Zion Lutheran Church

 

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.

 

About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center

 

Harlem Heights is a low-income community in south Fort Myers, Florida.   The Heights Foundation’s mission is to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, promotes education and wellness, nurtures family and community development, and provides the benefits of enrichment and the arts.

Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old.   The Heights Center serves 150 children in AfterSchool and over 150 kids in Summer Camp.    The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 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 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% 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.