The Heights Foundation /The Heights Center will host a Harlem Heights ‘Celebration of Giving Thanks’ for the residents of Harlem Heights on Saturday, November 16 at The Heights Center. This is the third year the organization has hosted the event. The tradition began in 2022 when many families in the community were without functioning kitchens after the devastation of Hurricane Ian.
More than 450 Harlem Heights residents will come together to enjoy a shared meal, games, entertainment, and fellowship. As part of the celebration, each family will also receive a turkey and a Publix gift card, enabling them to prepare their own Thanksgiving meals at home.
“We’re excited to continue this tradition, which allows families to relax, enjoy a meal together, and connect with their neighbors,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center.
The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is seeking donations to help cover the costs of providing turkeys and gift cards to more than 300 families, representing over 1,000 individuals.
To make a donation to support The Celebration of Giving Thanks, visit www.heightsfoundation.org/donate. For information on how to contribute as an organization, business, community, or church, please contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or via email at [email protected].
Those interested in volunteering for the event can reach out to Olivia Clifton at (239) 482-7706, x4008, or email [email protected].
About the Heights Foundation and 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 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.
