CASA Lake County expresses gratitude to Walden and Starbucks for extraordinary winter holiday community support

CASA Lake County and the nearly 600 abused or neglected children served by it, were delighted to be the recipient of a hugely successful gift drive. This is the fifth year for WE Care for CASA, a program sponsored by the Walden Elementary Philanthropy Committee at the Walden Elementary School in Deerfield. This year Walden families and friends provided necessity gifts for CASA children such as bedding and warm clothing for winter.  They also provided gift cards for families to purchase food. ”Walden has truly embraced the mission of CASA Lake County, said Terri Zenner Greenberg, CASA executive director. “Because of donations like these, our most vulnerable children will have a safer, warmer and happier winter season.”

Pictured working for CASA’s abused children in the Walden Elementary School, Deerfield project are from left to right Erin Kerpel (Deerfield), Dawn Reichman (Deerfield), Kris Graham (Deerfield),  Heidi Sparacino, Chair of the Walden Elementary School Philanthropy Committee (Deefield), Wendy LaPlaca, CASA Lake County Program Director (Barrington Hills) and Elizabeth Sammann, Advocate Manager (Glencoe).

CASA Lake County was fortunate to have the support of the Starbucks giving community. Several local spots hosted Giving Tree Tag drives, where coffee lovers would donate coats, hats, gloves, socks, underwear, pajamas and more. CASA was deeply touched by the generosity of Starbucks and their patrons. The tally of gifts was at an all time high with 290 winter coats, 40 snow pants, 30 hats/gloves, 56 pairs of boots, 87 pajamas, 941 socks, and 934 underwear garments.

“Foster children rarely receive "new" anything - so what a blessing for so many to receive new coats, boots, snow pants and more. We can't thank you enough,” said CASA Lake County Advocate Amy Foor Noland, of Hawthorn Woods.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Lake County is a non-profit organization committed to acquiring, training and supervising volunteer advocates to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the juvenile justice system. Research shows that a child with a CASA volunteer advocate is less likely to experience further abuse; moves more rapidly through the court system; stays an average of 10 months less in foster care; and are more likely to be adopted into a safe and permanent home. For more information, go to www.casalakecounty.com.