The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CACSWFL) proudly announces the success of its 2025 Season of Giving initiatives, which brought holiday joy and essential support to more than 1,200 children and families across Southwest Florida during November and December.
Through the CAC Holiday Toy Shop hosted at the organization’s Fort Myers campus, 531 children were served, allowing caregivers to select meaningful gifts for their children in a warm and supportive environment. In addition, 132 caregivers and children received direct support through generous community donors who fulfilled individual family wish lists and critical needs.
Beyond the CAC campus, more than 600 children were served through the East United Way Resiliency Hub Holiday Event in partnership with Orange River Elementary. This collaborative community celebration ensured families had access to gifts, meals, and a joyful holiday experience in a trusted neighborhood setting.
Thanks to the collective efforts of hundreds of partners, volunteers, and donors, more than 5,000 gifts were distributed throughout the Season of Giving. Support included numerous community-hosted toy drives, individual family sponsorships, and toys received through the United Way Gifts In-Kind Program.
“The holiday season can be especially difficult for families navigating crisis or trauma,” said Alicia Shannon, CEO of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. “Because of the compassion and generosity of our community, thousands of children were reminded that they are seen, valued, and supported. This is what collective impact truly looks like.”
Local businesses, civic groups, schools, and faith-based organizations played a vital role in the campaign by hosting toy drives and sponsoring families, helping ensure children of all ages received gifts that reflected their interests and needs. Volunteers also dedicated countless hours sorting, organizing, and distributing gifts to make each experience special for families served.
“Our Season of Giving efforts reflect the heart of our mission,” said John Clinger, Board President of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. “When our community comes together, we are not only meeting immediate needs but also reinforcing hope and stability for children and families during a critical time.”
Since 1981, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida has provided a safe, child-focused environment for children impacted by abuse and neglect. The organization serves Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte Counties and offers comprehensive services including forensic interviews, medical evaluations, therapy, family advocacy, and prevention education. All services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners.
For more information about the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida or how to support children and families in our community, visit http://www.cac-swfl.org or call (239) 939-2808.
About The Children’s Advocacy Center Of Southwest Florida
For 44 years the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CACSWFL) has continued to provide a coordinated response to child abuse and neglect through prevention, intervention, and treatment programs. The center works to improve the lives of children and families by ensuring safety, promoting healing, and fostering resilience. For more information, visit http://www.cac-swfl.org.
