COLLIER COUNTY — The community is invited to join the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) as they make the holidays merry and bright for some deserving Collier kids currently dealing with traumatic, life-changing events.

CCSO’s “Celebrate With A Star” program will benefit children assigned to the 20th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem program in partnership with the Voices for Kids of Southwest Florida (VFK) agency.

There are more than 200 children currently living in Collier County who have been abandoned or are alleged to have been abused or neglected.

Guardian ad Litem volunteers advocate for these children in the courts, the child welfare system and the community. Children in the program range from infant to 19 years of age.

Visit www.voicesforkids.org to learn more about VFK.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s drive is taking on a different format. Each child client of GAL has hand-picked their desired gifts on individually assigned Amazon wish lists. You simply shop from this list (a specific link e-mailed to you), click add to cart and check out as you usually would making an Amazon purchase. The gifts will be mailed directly to the child’s guardian.

The spending range on each list averages between $25-$60. You are not obligated to purchase all the items on their list.

If you would like to sponsor a child (or children), please send an e-mail to media@colliersheriff.org and we will send you the direct link(s) to the child’s Amazon wish list. If you have a preference, please specify boy/girl and general age range. We can usually accommodate.

This year CCSO has been assigned over 120 kids with wish lists. We also have 25 kids who only requested $50 Amazon gift cards on their list. Please let us know in your e-mail to us if you would like to purchase one of these gift cards.

All gifts must be ordered no later than Tuesday, Dec. 1, to ensure timely delivery.

If you have any questions, call CCSO’s Media Relations Bureau at 239-252-0604, or e-mail media@colliersheriff.org.