Elite DNA Behavioral Health launches Back-to-School Drive to support local nonprofits
The Floridant/10277121

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, is teaming up with United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades and Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida to host a Back-to-School Drive that will support local families in preparing for the upcoming school year.

Now through Thursday, Aug. 8, Elite DNA is collecting backpacks and school supplies at eight locations from Port Charlotte to Naples and is calling on the community for support. Elite DNA is requesting items for children of all ages, with a special focus on supplies for younger students. Accepted items include backpacks, crayons, scissors, dry erase markers, wired headphones, glue sticks, index cards, Kleenex, paper, folders with pockets and prongs and more. Cash donations and gift cards are also accepted for supplies to be purchased by Elite DNA staff.

According to the National Retail Federation's annual Back-to-Class Survey, families plan to spend an average of $875 on back-to-school supplies this year.

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United Way's mission as a volunteer-driven organization is to improve the quality of life for all people in the community. In the 2023-2024 school year, over $1.95 million in school supplies, school clothing, shoes and hygiene supplies were distributed to students in need within The School District of Lee County through United Way.

One of United Way's partner agencies, the Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, is a nonprofit providing a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect across Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties. School supplies are given to children and families ahead of the school year to ensure students are prepared to head back to school.

To support these nonprofits in their efforts to prepare local families for the new school year, the community is invited to drop off donations of school supplies at any Elite DNA location between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

For more information, visit EliteDNA.com.