More than 300 Harlem Heights families enjoyed a festive meal at The Heights Foundation to celebrate an early Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n
The celebration at the Hagie Drive facility offered a buffet, face painting, games, and even free karate lessons from National Karate Fort Myers. Each family left with a turkey and Publix gift card for their own Thanksgiving dinner.<\/p>\n
Resident Sandra Ocampo attended with her entire family, including brothers, sisters, nieces, and cousins.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always look forward to this event every year. We know that just before Thanksgiving, we have a great time. We all gather, and you pick up a turkey after a good lunch, and also a gift card for Publix. We enjoy it. And then you get ice cream afterwards!\u201d Ocampo said.<\/p>\n
Lee Health gave free screenings and Lee County Sheriff’s Office\u2019s Ice Cream Response Team handed out ice cream cones. Families took pictures in a Thanksgiving photo booth while kids played soccer, ladder toss, and cornhole.<\/p>\n
The event celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Heights Foundation providing support for local families. <\/p>\n
Founder Kathryn Kelly was inspired to start the foundation after meeting a family of eight living in substandard housing at Thanksgiving in 1999. She said the neighborhood felt like one big family.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very close knit community. We have families that have been here for four generations that live in the community. They all know each other. It’s a really fun, uplifting neighborhood and I\u2019m privileged to be part of it, I love it,\u201d Kelly said.<\/p>\n
The foundation has services for all ages, with after-school care for children and music lessons up to its Creative Aging senior program. It also works with Lee County to develop affordable housing in Harlem Heights. <\/p>\n
Frequent volunteer Deb Wlaz served a buffet of barbeque sliders, coleslaw, rice, beans, and mac and cheese to hungry families.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really rewarding, very nice. They\u2019re all so sweet and grateful, it makes you feel good,\u201d Wlaz said.<\/p>\n
The Heights Foundation is now gearing up for the holidays through its Christmas Outreach Program. It has partnered with Scookie Dough to raise money to help struggling families purchase toys.<\/p>\n