CHILDREN’S EVENTS

Heartfelt Hangout - The Courage of Cookie Dough

Join us as we celebrate the release of the 2nd book in The Adventures of LadyCakes series, The Courage of Cookie Dough! This sweet story encourages children to embrace what makes them unique, with help from LadyCakes and her cookie friend.

📅 Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: A.N.A.'s Friends Operations Center
8270 College Parkway Ste. 205; Fort Myers, FL 33919

Special Highlights:
🍪 Cookies & Lemonade will be served
📖 Each child will receive a signed copy of the book
🎟️ Event is limited to 20 children

This is a special A.N.A.'s Friends event hosted in partnership with LadyCakes Bakery. Don’t miss this heartwarming afternoon filled with stories, treats, and inspiration!

Register Here!

Heartfelt Hangout - Gifts of Hope at Target!

🎁 A.N.A.’s Friends Presents: Gifts of Hope at Target!

📍 Target – Gulf Coast Town Center
📅 Saturday, December 6th | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📫 10000 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913

The most magical season of the year is here — and A.N.A.’s Friends is celebrating it in the sweetest way possible! 💫

Join us for Gifts of Hope, a heartwarming Heartfelt Hangout designed to help foster youth experience the true joy of giving. This special day lets every child become a little holiday hero — spreading love, thoughtfulness, and cheer throughout the aisles of Target!

Each child will receive a $200 Target gift card to share the holiday spirit in three meaningful ways:
🎁 $150 to shop for their loved ones
💖 $25 to pick out something special for themselves
$25 for wrapping supplies to make every gift shine

Our cheerful volunteer elves will be stationed throughout the store to help every child choose the perfect presents and wrap them with love! To make shopping a breeze, please have each child arrive with their completed wish list (this will be provided by A.N.A.’s Friends) for the loved ones they plan to shop for — it helps our elves guide them with holiday magic and ease.

🎄 Event Details & Important Info

  • Confirmed registrants will receive an email with a link to choose a designated arrival time.

  • Arrival times will be staggered in 15-minute intervals between 9 AM–1 PM so every child receives plenty of support and attention.

  • A caregiver must remain present with the child throughout the event.

  • Shopping funds cannot be used to purchase weapons, alcohol, or similar items.

  • Space is very limited and spots will fill quickly! A waitlist will be created once registration reaches capacity

This event is one of our most cherished A.N.A.’s Friends traditions — a celebration of generosity, joy, and togetherness that reminds us all what the holiday season is truly about.

🎅✨ Don’t wait — registration will fill up fast! Join us in making this holiday season magical, meaningful, and full of hope at Gifts of Hope 2025!

LEE COUNTY SANTA’S WORKSHOP SHOPPER REGISTRATION - SEE FLYER FOR MORE DETAILS!

Thanks to the generosity of our amazing donors, the A.N.A.'s Friends Operations Center will transform into Santa’s Workshop, overflowing with toys, games, and holiday treasures. Child welfare professionals are invited to “shop” the North Pole for the perfect gifts for the children you serve. You’ll be welcomed by our merry team of elves — staff and volunteers alike — ready to spread cheer, share festive treats, and help you find just the right presents. Currently, this event is only open to shoppers who are currently active as a Child Welfare Case Manager, Guardian ad Litem Volunteer or Child Advocate Manager. This event is not open to caregivers or foster parents at this time. Caregivers or foster parents who want to make sure their child receives gifts should reach out to their assigned Case Manager or GAL Volunteer to ensure the child in their care is registered.

LEE COUNTY GALO and CM REGISTER HERE

Heartfelt Hangout - Macy’s Nice List

Join us for a very special Heartfelt Hangout at Macy’s in Naples! This exciting shopping event is open to all children aged 5–18 who currently have an active and open dependency case in Circuit 20.

📍Macy’s at Coastland Center Mall, Naples
🗓 Saturday, November 15th | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Each participating child will receive a $100 Macy’s gift card to spend on something that brings them joy — whether it’s a cozy outfit, a new pair of shoes, or something that makes them feel special and seen.

This unforgettable experience is made possible thanks to our incredible donors and our dedicated Board of Directors, whose generosity and commitment make events like this possible. Together, they ensure every child has the chance to experience the magic of being celebrated and seen.

We can’t wait to share this “Nice Day” with you at Macy’s!

JOIN THE WAITLIST
Register for Gifts of Hope Here!

charlotte COUNTY SANTA’S WORKSHOP SHOPPER REGISTRATION - SEE FLYER FOR MORE DETAILS!

Thanks to the generosity of our amazing donors, the Guardian ad Litem Office will transform into Santa’s Workshop, overflowing with toys, games, and holiday treasures. Child welfare professionals are invited to “shop” the North Pole for the perfect gifts for the children you serve. You’ll be welcomed by our merry team of elves — staff and volunteers alike — ready to spread cheer, share festive treats, and help you find just the right presents. Currently, this event is only open to shoppers who are currently active as a Child Welfare Case Manager, Guardian ad Litem Volunteer or Child Advocate Manager. This event is not open to caregivers or foster parents at this time. Caregivers or foster parents who want to make sure their child receives gifts should reach out to their assigned Case Manager or GAL Volunteer to ensure the child in their care is registered.


CHARLOTTE COUNTY GALO AND CM REGISTER HERE

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