Local Charities Team Up For The 5th Annual “Christmas Cheer” Toy Drive

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - Oct. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- Bonita Springs, FL (October 7, 2014) -  Local area charities are teaming up again for the 5^th annual “Christmas Cheer” Toy Drive and invite local area residents and businesses to help give holiday toys and gifts to area  impoverished children and teens. Since the program’s launch in 2009 by the Bonita Springs Assistance Office in partnership with other agencies, thousands of local children have received gifts during the holidays.

“The majority of the families reached through “Christmas Cheer” are struggling to survive.  One out of 5 children in Lee county are at or below the poverty level, and we are dedicated to reaching deeply into our community to bring them holiday cheer”, said Marjorie Johnson, President and Executive Director of the Bonita Springs Assistance Office.

The program provides books, toys, clothing and donations to children and teenagers in the area.  The donations are distributed through local participating charities – many of which give the gifts to parents and caregivers so that their children can receive gifts from people they love during the holiday season.

Beginning October 7^th, through December 15^th - The Bonita Springs Assistance Office (http://www.bonitaassistance.org/) in partnership with The Salvation Army, Café of Life, Catholic Charities, The Christian Brothers, The Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District,  Harvest Time Ministries, and Bonita Springs YMCA will join forces to collect age appropriate unwrapped toys from local residents and businesses in SWFL.

Unwrapped gifts such as children’s age-appropriate books, toys, and clothing item donations can be brought to any of the listed participating agencies:.

Bonita Springs Assistance Office: (239) 992-3034

Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District: (239) 949-6200

Bonita Springs YMCA: (239) 992-9622

Café of Life: (239) 593.9325

Catholic Charities: (239) 390-2928

Christian Brothers: (239) 776-9597

Harvest Time Ministries: (239) 947-6016

Salvation Army: (239) 498-5200

For over thirty-five years the mission of Bonita Springs Assistance Office has been to provide temporary relief to local residents impacted by a financial or personal crisis.  The goal is to foster independence and self-reliance through education and by bridging the financial needs of the recipients.