Child Care of Southwest Florida has launched its annual Holiday Toy Drive to help provide gifts to local children in need.

The nonprofit early learning provider is collecting unwrapped toys and new clothing for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Items in high demand include interactive learning toys, board games, puzzles, arts and crafts sets, musical toys, stuffed animals, activity sets, action figures and dolls, remote control cars, building blocks and other age-appropriate gifts. The most requested clothing items include T-shirts, shorts, pants and shoes.

“We all have great memories of sitting around the Christmas tree with our family and opening presents, and we want to make sure every child in this community can enjoy a similar experience,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “Our Holiday Toy Drive puts gifts into the hands of families and children that might not otherwise have that opportunity.”

Child Care of Southwest Florida again is partnering with local organizations and businesses across the region for the Holiday Toy Drive. The Lee County Tax Collector’s Office is among those serving as collection points and encouraging employees and guests to contribute gifts.

Donation drop off sites include the following locations during regular business hours:

Child Care of Southwest Florida learning centers (Nov. 10-21):

Children’s Garden (LaBelle): 88 S. Main St.

Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center (Fort Myers): 4650 Fowler St.

P.A. Geraci Child Development Center (Fort Myers):  3713 Canal St.

The Children’s Learning Center (Fort Myers): 37 Barkley Circle

The Community Children’s Center (Lehigh Acres): 1260 Wings Way

G. Weaver Hipps Early Learning Center (Lehigh Acres): 1200 Homestead Road North

Harns Marsh Early Learning Center (Lehigh Acres): 1820 Unice Ave. North

Ray V. Pottorf Early Learning Center (Fort Myers): 4600 Challenger Blvd.

Pelican Early Learning Center (Cape Coral): 3525 SW 3rd Ave.

San Carlos Park Early Learning Center (Fort Myers): 17282 Lee Road

Lee County Tax Collector service centers (Nov. 10-21):

Bonita Springs: 25987 S. Tamiami Trail

Cape Coral: 1039 SE 9th Ave.

Fort Myers: 2480 Thompson St.

Lehigh Acres: 600 Homestead Road South

North Fort Myers: 15201 N. Cleveland Ave.

South Fort Myers: 15680 Pine Ridge Road

Additionally, Child Care of Southwest Florida has created an Amazon Wish List to simplify gift-giving. Simply visit Amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/24KDFBP1E3YN7, place an order and Amazon will ship it directly to Child Care of Southwest Florida. Monetary donations can be made securely online at CCSWFL.org/giving.

About Child Care of Southwest Florida

Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood education provider with 10 learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 400 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. 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.