It’s that time of year again! The Fresh Jersey Tomatoes, a group of women originally from New Jersey who now reside in Charlotte County, is holding its ninth annual FJT’s Toy Drive.
The drive benefits underprivileged children currently receiving services from Charlotte Behavioral Health Care. The drive begins today, Nov. 4, and runs through Dec. 13.
Holiday-wrapped boxes will be located at some of your favorite local retail stores and other organizations. Donations of new/unwrapped toys for boys and girls, infants to 18 years old, would be greatly appreciated. Each participating partner will have a list of toy suggestions by age group.
According to Kelly Pomerville, director of marketing and public relations for CBHC, “Families are struggling and in urgent need of a help this year. Toy donations will alleviate pressure on parents that would have had to choose between purchasing holiday gifts and necessary staples, such as food. We are so thankful that the FJTs have continued to shine some holiday spirit into these kids’ lives.”
“The gifts we need the most are for boys and girls ages 13-18. Small gift cards to places like Walmart or Target are the top request for that age group. Other suggestions for girls include make-up kits, nail kits and art supplies/project kits. Suggestions for boys include Legos, art supplies and science project kits,” continued Pomerville.
Here is a list of all the drop-off box locations available to you:
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care
1700 Education Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Copperfish Books
212 W. Virginia Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Friendly Floors
3785 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Isles Fitness
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd., Suite 1111
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Pomegranate & Fig Gift Boutique
208 Tamiami Trail, Suite 111
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Pretty as a Pearl Boutique
150 Laishley Court #111
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce* (Building closed until Nov. 13; please call to make sure they are open)
252 W. Marion Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Punta Gorda Fire Department (Station 1)
1410 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Punta Gorda Police Department
1410 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
The Shipping Post
3941 Tamiami Trail, Suite 3157
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
The Shipping Post
2200 Kings Highway, Suite 3L
Port Charlotte, FL 33980(941) 743-4499