Youth Haven calls on community to give joy this holiday season

Youth Haven is inviting the Southwest Florida community to help create moments of joy for children and teens through its annual Holiday Giving Campaign. From specially selected gifts to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, community support helps make the holiday season meaningful and memorable for every youth in its care.
This year, Youth Haven is placing a special emphasis on the gift of experiences. For some children and teens, a meal at a restaurant, trip to the zoo, boat ride, sporting event or afternoon of bowling may be an exciting first. These opportunities offer more than a day of fun, encouraging youth to try something new, build confidence and life skills, and create a sense of normalcy and joyful memories that can last well beyond the holiday season. 
“The holidays are a time of joy, and we want every child and teen at Youth Haven to have opportunities to experience that happiness in meaningful ways,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “Whether it’s opening a gift chosen especially for them or experiencing something new for the very first time, these moments remind our youth that they are valued and surrounded by a community that cares. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helps make these memories possible.”
One youth shared the lasting impact of a recent outing, “I had never been on a boat before. I got to see dolphins, and it’s something I’ll always remember.” Another youth visiting a restaurant for the first time recalled, “Going out to eat might be something everyone does, but it was new for me. I got to choose what I wanted and enjoy the experience with my friends.”
Local businesses, organizations and community members can support the Holiday Giving Campaign in a variety of ways, including:
•    Purchase a new, unwrapped item from Youth Haven’s Holiday Wish List – Requested items include clothing, electronics, beauty products, arts and crafts supplies and gift cards. The greatest need is for youth ages 12 to 21. Donors can also shop through Youth Haven’s Amazon Wish List. 
•    Give the gift of an experience – Gift cards and opportunities for outings such as bowling, movies, ice skating, sporting events, pottery, mini golf, Naples Zoo and Sun-N-Fun Lagoon can introduce youth to new activities and create lasting memories. Donors interested in providing experiences or outings are encouraged to email Katie.Schweikhardt@youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904 ext. 104 for details.
•    Host a holiday donation drive – Businesses and organizations can engage employees, customers or members in collecting requested gifts for Youth Haven’s children and teens.
•    Make a year-end gift – Financial contributions help Youth Haven provide home, hope and healing to children and teens in need throughout the year.
All donated items must be new and unwrapped, and Youth Haven cannot accept “scary” or violent-themed items. Donations are requested by Friday, Dec. 18, 2026, and can be dropped off at Youth Haven, 5867 Whitaker Road in Naples, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Youth Haven, Collier County’s only provider of emergency shelter, at-risk shelter and homeless teen transitional living services for abused, neglected and homeless children and teens ages 6 to 21, provides a safe and nurturing environment where youth receive comprehensive care and opportunities to heal, grow and thrive.
To learn more about Youth Haven’s holiday giving opportunities, coordinate a donation or discuss providing an experience or outing, contact Katie Schweikhardt, director of development, at Katie.Schweikhardt@youthhavenswfl.org or 239-774-2904 ext. 104. 
For more information about Youth Haven, visit youthhavenswfl.org.