The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center to host celebration of giving thanks
Organization requesting donations to provide turkeys, groceries for families
The Heights Foundation /The Heights Center will host a Harlem Heights ‘Celebration of Giving Thanks’ for the residents of Harlem Heights on Saturday, Nov. 18 at The Heights Center. This is the second year the organization has hosted the event.
Last year, many families in the community were without kitchens after the devastation of Hurricane Ian.
More than 450 Harlem Heights residents will enjoy a meal together, along with fellowship, games, and entertainment.
In addition, each family will receive a turkey and a Publix gift card so they can prepare their Thanksgiving meal in their home.
The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is requesting donations to offset the costs of the turkeys and gift cards for 300 families.
“This celebration allows families to relax and enjoy a meal together, to catch up, and be grateful for the support to help the neighborhood rebuild,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “We are thankful that so many of our neighborhood families are back in their homes this Thanksgiving.”
With the generous help of the community and strategic partners, The Heights Foundation has come alongside the families in Harlem Heights to assist with hurricane recovery. Of the 173 homes severely damaged in Hurricane Ian, 102 are fully restored, another 12 are functional, and 59 remain in process.
To learn more about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center or make a donation to The Celebration of Giving Thanks, visit heightsfoundation.org/donate. Organizations, businesses, communities and churches interested in contributing to the event can call Melissa Barlow at 239-482-7706, or email melissa@heightsfoundation.org. To volunteer for the event, contact Olivia at 239-482-7706, x4008, or email olivia@heightsfoundation.org.
About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.
Heights Early Larning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 163 children in AfterSchool and 153 children in SummerCamp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
About Harlem Heights
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.
Source: The Heights Foundation