Elite DNA Behavioral Health's supply drive helps 250 local families head back to school

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Sept. 3, 2024 - PRLog -- Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, recently teamed up with United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades and Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida to host a Back-to-School Drive that supported more than 250 local families.

The collection efforts spanned eight locations from Port Charlotte to Naples and collected nearly 1,000 items to help prepare students for the upcoming school year. The drive gathered a variety of supplies, including backpacks, crayons, scissors, dry erase markers, wired headphones, glue sticks, index cards, Kleenex, paper, folders with pockets and prongs and more.

"We are so thankful for all of you who helped support local children with the necessary items they need to have a successful school year," said Elizabeth Dosoretz, LCSW, founder and CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health. "With back-to-school prices continuing to soar, it's important that all children have access to the tools they need to thrive. We are honored to collaborate with United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades and Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida to give back to our community and make these efforts possible."

United Way's mission as a volunteer-driven organization is to improve the quality of life for all people in the community. The nonprofit has 90 Partner Agencies and supports over 260 local programs, including Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida.

"We're grateful for the generosity of Elite DNA and the greater Southwest Florida community to provide underserved children in our community with the supplies they need for success," said Jeannine Joy, president and CEO, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. "School supplies are a big financial expense for families who may already be struggling to make ends meet, so this is a great example of how community collaboration can alleviate burden for families and ensure students have the tools they need to thrive academically."

Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit providing a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect across Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties. As part of the supply drive, the organization gathered volunteers at its center to help fill backpacks with the donated school supplies and prepare them for distribution to local families.

"We are so thankful for Elite DNA! Investing in our children's education is the most powerful way to shape a brighter future," said Alicia Shannon, executive director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. "Their back-to-school drive is more than just supplying supplies; it's about providing the tools and confidence these kiddos need to succeed."

For more information about Elite DNA Behavioral Health, visit EliteDNA.com.