CASA for Children looks for local volunteers

CASA for Children is encouraging people to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate this holiday season.

"December is meant to be a festive time to spend with your family," said Brandy Eldridge, executive director of CASA.

"Without the opportunity to share the holidays with the loved ones in their lives, children in foster care are deprived of precious memories that make the holiday season so special."

CASA volunteers can ease the burden on a child's shoulders.

"CASA volunteers get to know the child and provide a voice for them in court, standing by their side and ensuring they are kept safe and their needs are met while in foster care," Eldridge said.

In Bowie, Cass, Miller, Hempstead, Little River, Howard, Lafayette and Nevada counties, 606 children were in the foster care system last year.

"Every child in foster care needs someone to support them through this difficult time. They need a CASA volunteer to speak up for them and give them a better chance at a brighter future and the happy holiday season they deserve," said Leigh Davis, development director for CASA.

CASA for Children has served 419 children this year and has had 87 CASA volunteers who spoke up for children in the community.

"We need more members of the community to step up and get involved," Eldridge said. "Whether you become a CASA volunteer, a foster parent or provide support to a local foster family or a donation to CASA, you can make a difference this holiday season."

The next volunteer training class will begin in January. For more information, call 903-792-1030 or visit BecomeACASA.org. To make an end-of-year gift to the local program, visit casatexarkana.org.

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