Child Care of Southwest Florida raises $16,835 at Holiday Gift Celebration and Giving Tuesday Kick-Off
Child Care of Southwest Florida (CCSWFL) raised $16,835 to provide support to local families in need during its Holiday Gift Celebration and Giving Tuesday Kick-Off held on Dec. 2 at Bruno’s of Brooklyn in Downtown Fort Myers. The funds will help provide holiday relief tuition assistance, toys and clothing to children at CCSWFL’s six early learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties.
During their holiday gift drive, local businesses, organizations and community members helped contribute more than 600 gifts of toys and clothing for children to enjoy on Christmas. The inaugural Giving Tuesday Kick-Off featured heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a silent auction, and a raffle for a precious opal jewel, sponsored by Gulfcoast Coin & Jewelry. At the event, the Knights of Columbus – St. Cecilia Council presented a check for $7,080 raised from its FORE Our Community Golf Tournament on Sept. 28 to support low-income families at CCSWFL’s centers by providing early childhood education scholarships. Additionally, The Community Foundation of Cape Coral awarded a $5,000 grant to CCSWFL to support its holiday fundraiser, bringing the total fundraising impact to over $24,000.
“To those who joined us at our Holiday Gift Celebration and Giving Tuesday Kick-Off, thank you for your time, generosity and unwavering belief in our mission,” said CEO Chris Hansen of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “Your support is a beacon of hope for the children and families we serve across Southwest Florida. Together, we can create brighter futures this holiday season and beyond.”
Partners of the holiday gift drive and fundraising event included Bruno’s of Brooklyn as the Presenting Sponsor; Knights of Columbus – St. Cecilia Council as the Champion Sponsor; Southview Studios as the Hero Sponsor; Franzese Plumbing and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank as Advocate Sponsors; Knights of Columbus – St. Francis Xavier Council, LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative, Real Res and Signs By Tomorrow Fort Myers as the Supporter Sponsors; Gulfcoast Coin & Jewelry as the Sparkle of Joy Gem Sponsor; and Allied Physical Therapy, Board & Brush Fort Myers, Bruno’s of Brooklyn, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and Shell Point Retirement Community as Holiday Gift Drive Partners.
To learn more about Child Care of Southwest Florida or to donate, visit CCSWFL.org or call 239-278-1002.
About Child Care of Southwest Florida
Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood education provider with six learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 350 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old. A United Way Partner Agency, CCSWFL’s mission is to strengthen and enhance the lives of children, as well as their families. Each center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. All five locations maintain Level 5 and above scores on their CLASS assessments through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum, with a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning environments that develop young minds, support families, strengthen the community and secure the future. Through its participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program, each child has access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sponsor, volunteer and donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit CCSWFL.org.
