Article written & submitted by the North Fort Myers Neighbor 
By JENNIFER MOSSCROP
nfmneighbor@breezenewspapers.com

Bring in a $10 toy with a receipt to help needy kids and get a slice of fudge in return.

That’s the sweet deal Rose Ann Heuglin, owner of Rosie’s Gourmet Fudge Shop, is laying down to local business owners and residents this holiday season to support the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.“It makes me so happy when the toys are awarded to families and I see how happy they are,” said Heuglin, who has been a Cape Coral resident for 20 years. “Even if I have to give away a lot of fudge for free, it’s worth it.” Rosie’s Gourmet Fudge has been up and running in the Shell Factory for 27 years and this is the seventh year they are participating in the program.

Heuglin asks that residents and fellow business owners bring in toys that are new and that are accompanied with a receipt. They also need to be unwrapped so they can be sorted according to a child’s age and gender. “Local people should help local people,” Heuglin added.

Deadline for drop off is Friday, Dec. 15. Afterwards, members of the local Marine Corps chapter will start to distribute toys to needy families in North Fort Myers. “Lots of the families are single mothers that are struggling,” Heuglin said. “I worked with kids in New Jersey and it’s sad to see families who can’t afford gifts for their children at Christmas time.”

The employees at the gourmet fudge shop were the first ones to put donated toys in the box, Heuglin said. Her sister, Chris Walen, owns the Stuff It & Love It teddy bear shop in the Shell Factory and will donate some bears to the drive as well. “All the employees support each other,” she said. “They all bought stuff and put it in the box all ready.” “I think it is a good alternative to giving gifts that no one really wants,” said Gabriele O’Neil who has been working at the Rosie’s for four and a half years. “It is better to give a gift to someone who would really appreciate it.” O’Neil stressed that toy donations for children ages 12 to 15 are often overlooked and very much appreciated. Don’t know what toys to buy or where to buy them? Rosie’s is conveniently located inside the Shell Factory located at 2787 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers.  After receiving your free slice of traditional fudge, you may be tempted to try some of the 30 types of gourmet fudge available. You can also order fudge platters, chocolate houses and other delicious goodies to accent your holiday parties.

Toys can be dropped off at Rosie’s between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week. For more information or if you are a local business owner who wants to donate, call (239) 652-5555.