Santa Claus visits with a small child at the Children’s Advocacy Center holiday event on Dec. 10. PHOTO PROVIDED

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida hosted its largest toy drive this holiday season, collecting over 2,500 gifts for local families in need.

The CAC also hosted its Adopt-A-Family holiday program that allows generous donors to sponsor local families. This year there were 28 families that received gifts for the entire household.

In addition to the toy drive, CAC’s spirit of giving turned into the spirit of gratitude during its community holiday event sponsored by Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. on Dec. 10. This holiday party at East United Way House included food trucks, crafts, a deejay and even Mr. and Mrs. Claus made an appearance.

With all the generous donors supporting the toy drive, the CAC was able to distribute over 300 toys to community clients that day.

The CAC also set up a Toy Shoppe at its main campus where parents and children chose their favorite toys.

Children’s Advocacy Center CEO, Julie Boudreaux, thanked donors for their continued support.

“We are so grateful and have already collected over 2,500 gifts,” said Bou-dreaux. “We have seen so many parents and caregivers get emotional and hug our staff as they are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. Thank you so much for giving toys and other donations to put smiles on the faces of the children we serve.”

Since 1981, CACSWFL has worked to improve the lives of children and their families through a coordinated response to child abuse and neglect, offering them a safe and friendly environment in which to heal. CAC provides abuse determination services, pet therapy, therapeutic counseling, parenting education, and prevention programs in Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties. All services are provided free of charge thanks to the support of generous donors. CAC is a United Way Partner Agency.

For more information about CACSWFL or treatment options available, please call 239-939-2808. If you would like to support the children in Southwest Florida, consider making a donation at cac-swfl.org and sign up for the CAC newsletter.