Elite DNA Behavioral Health collecting toys for the holidays to benefit Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida
Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, is collecting new and unwrapped toys to support the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida’s Christmas toy drive.
From Monday, Nov. 4 to Thursday, Dec. 5, Elite DNA is collecting toys at 11 offices from Bradenton to Naples and is calling on the community for support. The toys will be distributed to local children and families through the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida.
“The holidays can be a challenging and emotional time for the families we serve, and this toy collection will help bring joy to hundreds of children while lightening the financial load for their parents and caregivers,” said Alicia Shannon, CEO of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. “We’re thankful for the support of the community and organizations like Elite DNA who are supporting our efforts to make the holidays brighter for children 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. This toy drive provides the opportunity to serve a vulnerable community during a time when mental health can be challenging.
“When we think of the holiday season, we often think of happy memories and times spent with family. However, this time of year looks different for some children and their families,” said Elizabeth Dosoretz, LCSW, founder and CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health. “Mental health challenges are high during this time of year due to loneliness, grief, family conflict, financial hardships, seasonal depression and more. With your support, we hope to bring the spirit of the holidays to children in our community this year.”
The community is invited to drop off donations at Elite DNA locations between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays from Nov. 4 to Dec. 5. Participating Elite DNA locations include:
Bradenton: 5325 State Road 64 E., Suite B, 941-277-9922
Cape Coral: 418 SW 47th Terrace, 239-673-9034
Estero: 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, 3rd floor, 239-676-0608
Fort Myers – Metro: 4310 Metro Parkway, Suite 205, 239-690-6906
Fort Myers – Plantation: 6430 Plantation Park Court, Suite 200, 239-215-1025
Lehigh Acres: 228 Plaza Drive, Suite D, 239-491-8204
Naples: 2230 Venetian Court, Suite 1, 239-236-5448
Port Charlotte: 3191 Harbor Blvd., Suites A-B, 941-883-4518
Port Charlotte: 1777 Tamiami Trail, Suite 201, 941-249-4354
Sarasota: 2401 University Parkway, #104, 941-263-8440
Venice: 421 Commercial Court, Suite B, 941-244-4377
In addition to in-person donations, the Children’s Advocacy Center has also created an Amazon Wish List, which includes preferred items for boys and girls K-12. Items purchased through the wish list will be shipped directly to the Children’s Advocacy Center. Please note that items resembling realistic weapons or any food items will not be accepted.
For more information on the holiday drive, visit EliteDNA.com/CACHolidayDrive.
About Elite DNA Behavioral Health
Elite DNA Behavioral Health was founded in 2013 by Elizabeth Dosoretz, a licensed clinical social worker and mother of three, whose goal is to provide accessible, affordable mental health care to everyone. Now celebrating 11 years in business, Elite DNA is one of the largest mental health providers in the state, providing in-person and virtual behavioral health services to children, adolescents and adults at more than 30 locations across Florida. Elite DNA accepts a large variety of insurances, including Medicaid/Medicare and has a self-pay sliding scale for established patients. For more information, visit EliteDNA.com.
