Families line up hours before annual Dr. Piper Center Christmas Day Celebration

Children in Fort Myers will once again experience the magic of Christmas as the Dr. Piper Center hosts its 110th Annual Christmas Day Celebration.

Families lined up as early as 2 a.m. to get the chance to pick toys, art supplies, books, and sports gear on Christmas morning.

Volunteers, known as "runners," help children "shop" for toys, allowing them to select what they truly want.

"The look on a child when they walk into the toy room and see all of the toys on display is truly a sight to behold," Board member Shavon Chester said.

Children also receive a snack bag, and there are activities to entertain families as they wait.

"The community comes together – generously comes together," Chester said.

The Dr. Piper Center's Christmas Day Celebration continues to be a cherished event, bringing joy and community spirit to Fort Myers each year.

The tradition began in 1915 when Dr. Piper and her mother, Sarah Williams, opened their home to 15 girls in Dunbar Heights for a Christmas celebration.

"They opened their home to 15 girls and served them a complete Christmas dinner and then opened toys that were purchased by Dr. Piper and her mom," said Chester.

The annual celebration has continued uninterrupted for 110 years, even during challenges like COVID-19 and hurricanes.

"Our goal this year is 500 kids," said Dr. Piper.

Center for Social Services, Inc. Director of Development, Irvine Bourdeau, added that they never limit how many children receive gifts on Christmas morning.

The event also features a bike raffle, aiming to provide 250 bikes this year.

Chester shared a touching story from a past celebration where a raffle winner used their new bike to secure a part-time job, underscoring the impact of the event.

"It stops me in my tracks. That is why we do it," Chester said. "We do it because the kids will show up Christmas morning in their pajamas."

Chester emphasized the legacy of Dr. Ella Mae Piper, highlighting her forward-thinking contributions to the Dunbar community when she moved to Fort Myers in the early 1900s.

"There are actually historical accounts where individuals would walk by Dr. Piper's house, and they could see Thomas Edison sleeping on the front porch because his wife was getting her hair done," Chester said.

Chester noted that Dr. Piper's achievements as a woman of color in the 1900s were remarkable, as she was a philanthropist who supported education, healthcare, and her church.

"We always point them to Dr. Piper and the legacy that she built of giving in the Southwest Florida community," said Chester.

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is the Title Legacy Sponsor for the sixth consecutive year, helping ensure children in need can feel the Christmas spirit.

"When Dr. Piper passed away, the community jumped in," Chester said, noting how the tradition continued with the support of local churches.