IMMOKALEE — Deputies from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) assisted with the Annual Guadalupe Holiday Gift Shop, helping to distribute donated toys, games, bikes, clothing and stuffed animals to make sure local children aren’t left without Christmas gifts. The event is open to parents of students in Guadalupe Center’s Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program.

“Deputies carried bags of toys and bicycles to the cars and loaded them for the parents. They also assisted with parking, the distribution of shoes and other items and delivered toys to homes of those families who did not have transportation. And they had a great time doing it! By the end of the week, gifts were provided to over 365 families and close to 1,000 children,” the CCSO announced on their Facebook page.

“So many families in Immokalee struggle with day-to-day living expenses in a typical year, and 2020 has been especially challenging,” said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. “Every child should have a gift to open on Christmas morning, but for that to happen, we need help from the community. Generous individuals, residential communities, civic clubs and businesses can help make the Holiday Gift Shop a tremendous success.”

The Guadalupe Center (https://www.guadalupecenter.org/) is a nonprofit organization that supports Immokalee students through education as well as working to foster personal and academic success with the hope that it leads to economic independence. The center focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty through education.