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.
Now through Friday, 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 difficult time for many of the families we serve, and this partnership with Elite DNA helps bring comfort, hope and joy when it’s needed most. Every toy collected represents a reminder to a child that they are seen, cared for and worthy of happiness,” said Alicia Shannon, CEO of the Children’s Advocacy Center of 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.
“Many of us think of Christmas as a day full of happiness, celebrations, gift-giving and time with family. However, Christmas can look different for some children and their families,” said Elizabeth Dosoretz, LCSW, founder and CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health. “Many parents face financial constraints that don’t allow them the opportunity to provide their children with the Christmas they want to, and it can take a toll on their mental health. We hope that, with your support, we can help bring joy to children this holiday season.”
The community is invited to drop off donations at Elite DNA locations between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays through 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: 425 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. Any items resembling realistic weapons or any food items will not be accepted.
For more information, visit EliteDNA.com.
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 one of the largest mental health providers, Elite DNA provides in-person and virtual behavioral health services from nearly 40 locations across Florida and Virginia. Services include psychiatry, psychology, medication management, substance use treatment, TMS therapy for depression, occupational therapy, speech therapy, applied behavior analysis and targeted case management services. 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.