First Bank released the results of its annual fundraising campaign benefiting Harry Chapin Food Bank, raising a total of $38,685 to help provide approximately 77,370 meals for those in need across Southwest Florida.
Branches across Clewiston, LaBelle, East Fort Myers, Moore Haven, Belle Glade and Immokalee rallied their staff and communities throughout the campaign, collectively raising $12,895.
The Belle Glade branch earned top honors for generating $8,200 of that total. In a major show of support, First Bank matched donations at double the amount, contributing an additional $25,790.
“We are incredibly grateful to First Bank for their dedication to helping families in need,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “This generous contribution will make a meaningful impact for thousands of our neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table. First Bank has shown what true community partnership looks like, and we deeply appreciate their commitment to fighting hunger across Southwest Florida.”
“I am very pleased with the results of our fundraising drive,” added Andrew Couse, president and CEO of First Bank. “Hats off to our First Bank team for going above and beyond in the effort. I want to thank Harry Chapin; they have been a great partner in this effort. They have been a joy to collaborate with. We fully support their mission to address hunger and food insecurity in Southwest Florida.”
Funds raised will support Harry Chapin Food Bank’s critical programs, including mobile pantries, the Care and Share Senior Feeding Program, and the distribution of fresh produce, meat and shelf-stable foods to more than a quarter of a million people annually.
Child Care of Southwest Florida collects 436 gifts for children
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, were distributed to children ages six weeks to five years old enrolled at Child Care of Southwest Florida’s centers.
The Holiday Toy Drive was supported by multiple collection partners throughout the region.
“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.
Elite DNA Behavioral Health collects 300 toys
Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, recently collected more than 300 new and unwrapped toys to support the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida’s Christmas toy drive.
The collection spanned 11 Elite DNA offices from Bradenton to Naples and encouraged the community to support its local Children’s Advocacy Center. Items collected include Barbie dolls, coloring books, stuffed animals, action figures, games, Play-Doh, Legos, Hot Wheels, bicycles and a guitar.
“We are so thankful for Elite DNA Behavioral Health and the many community members who made this toy drive such a success,” said Alicia Shannon, CEO of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. “This toy drive reflects a shared commitment to protecting children, supporting healing and strengthening families across Southwest Florida.”
The Children’s Advocacy Center’s mission is to provide a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect, and to improve the lives of at-risk children and their families through prevention services.
“We continue to be endlessly grateful to our communities, partners, patients, families, employees and every community member who gives us the opportunity to uplift local families and support local agencies, including our wonderful partners at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida,” said Elizabeth Dosoretz, LCSW, founder and CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health. “As we look ahead to 2026, it is always an unbelievable privilege for the Elite DNA team to work together to support families and stay focused on our mission to create access to equitable behavioral health care for all the communities we serve.”
To learn more about Elite DNA Behavioral Health, visit EliteDNA.com.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: Donation drive raises $38,685 to support Harry Chapin
Reporting by Will Watts, Special to The Banner / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
