Donor Appreciation Reception: Shown here are from left to right, front row, Elizabeth Elliott of Florida Gulf Coast University; Karen Miller of HSA Engineers and Scientists; Susan Bennett of Susan Bennett Marketing & Media. Back r, Child Care Development Director Linda McNabb; Dan Griffin of Alliance Financial Group; Richard Lewis of HSA Engineers and Scientists; Robert Bassett of BB&T; Tammy Aronson of Messina Children’s Center; and Child Care Executive Director Beth Lobdell. Photo provided

Child Care of Southwest Florida thanked major donors at a special reception held recently at the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center in Fort Myers.

“So much of what we do every day to care for our area’s tiniest citizens just wouldn’t be possible without the volunteer efforts and financial support of our donors. These businesses and individuals have shown their dedication to our community’s children again and again,” said Executive Director Beth Lobdell.

As an example, Lobdell said the “Natural Playscape” at the Messina Children’s Center was the result of BB&T and 35 other community partners coming together to provide the resources to build the natural playground.

A “Natural Playscape” features the innovative use of natural materials like rocks and gardens to create a playground that is as educational as it is fun.

HSA also was commended for providing engineering services for upgrades needed at child care centers operated by the non-profit agency.

Donors toured the Messina Children’s Center, including the new “Natural Playscape,” and enjoyed refreshments with board members, staff and the children.

Child Care of Southwest Florida Inc., is a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality child care services throughout Southest Florida. The agency provides child care for 700 children from infancy through age eight at its six child care centers throughout Lee and Hendry counties.

In addition, the agency conducts training for child care workers, and administers the federal food program in 14 counties for child care centers and family child care homes. Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a United Way agency.