FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- Child Care of Southwest Florida wrapped up its annual Holiday Toy Drive with the collection of 436 gifts to benefit children and families served at the nonprofit's early learning centers across Lee and Hendry counties.

The donated toys and gifts, estimated to be valued between $6,000 and $8,000, will be distributed to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old enrolled at Child Care of Southwest Florida's centers, helping ensure families experience a brighter holiday season.

Community members, local businesses and partner organizations across Southwest Florida contributed to the drive, including Fiddlesticks Ladies' Club Members, Allied Physical Therapy, Edison National Bank, Priority Marketing, StickBoy Software & IT and Ella Piper Center. The businesses donated unwrapped toys, new clothing, and age-appropriate gifts. Items included interactive learning toys, board games, puzzles, arts and crafts sets, stuffed animals, dolls, action figures and other developmental play items, along with essential clothing such as T-shirts, pants and shoes.

More on TelAve News

• David Boland, Inc. Awarded $54.3M Construction Contract by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District
• "Phinge Unveil™" Coming to Las Vegas to Showcase Netverse Patented Verified App-less Platform, AI & Modular Hardware Including Developer Conferences
• Elizabeth McLaughlin, Founder and CEO of Red Wagon Group, named 2026 Presidential Leadership Scholar
• U.S. Congressional Candidate Peter Coe Verbica on America's Asymmetric Crisis
• Jones Sign Rebrands as Jones to Reflect Growth, Innovation, and Expanded Capabilities

The Holiday Toy Drive was supported by multiple collection partners throughout the region, including the Lee County Tax Collector's Office, which selected Child Care of Southwest Florida as the beneficiary of its 2025 holiday collection effort. Donations were accepted at Child Care of Southwest Florida learning centers and Lee County Tax Collector service centers, as well as through an online Amazon Wish List created to make giving more accessible to supporters.

"We all have memories of gathering around the Christmas tree and opening presents with our families, and our goal is to help make that experience possible for every child we serve," said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. "The generosity shown through this year's Holiday Toy Drive reflects the heart of our community and directly supports families who may not otherwise have the means to provide gifts during the holidays."

Child Care of Southwest Florida serves more than 550 children annually through its early learning centers, providing safe, nurturing environments that support educational development while helping working families remain stable and self-sufficient.

To learn more about Child Care of Southwest Florida or how to support its programs year-round, visit CCSWFL.org or call 239-278-1002.